The German government has approved legislation that would substantially expand the powers of the country’s intelligence agencies, marking a significant departure from the restrained posture maintained since the postwar period. The draft law must still clear parliamentary approval before becoming law, with the government targeting implementation by early 2027.
Two security incidents prompted the policy shift. A deadly car attack at Berlin’s Pride parade in late July carried out by a German-born Islamist preceded the discovery of an explosive-laden drone near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig airport, a critical defence transport hub. These events exposed what officials characterize as serious security vulnerabilities and have intensified pressure on the governing coalition to modernize the country’s defensive capabilities.
The legislation would grant the federal foreign intelligence service (BND) and the domestic security office (BfV) substantially greater operational latitude than they currently possess. Proposed changes include authority to conduct cyber-attacks, manipulate digital systems, and alter weapons-related data. The services would gain expanded capacity to collect, store and analyze information using artificial intelligence, with extended retention periods and streamlined procedures for surveillance authorization. Intelligence personnel operating abroad would face fewer restrictions on carrying weapons for self-defense purposes, though the use of force remains prohibited.
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt characterized the changes as necessary to position German intelligence services on equal footing with international counterparts, citing competition with advanced foreign capabilities. Officials cite escalating threats from Russia and China since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, pointing to alleged sabotage campaigns and cyberattacks against critical infrastructure.
The reforms face criticism from civil liberties advocates and some political figures. The federal data protection commissioner expressed concern about losing oversight authority over the BND and expanded access to surveillance footage. Opposition politicians acknowledged the necessity of stronger intelligence capabilities but warned certain provisions overextend permissible authority, particularly regarding the domestic security service’s expanded powers and their potential conflict with constitutional separation of powers principles. Legal challenges to the legislation appear likely once enacted.
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