Germany seeks to empower intelligence services for modern threats

Germany is moving to significantly expand the capabilities of its intelligence services, aiming to equip them with more operational powers to confront contemporary threats. A reform set to be approved by the Council of Ministers will allow intelligence agencies to move beyond solely gathering information and engage in active operations.

"We want to make our intelligence services into real secret services. It is time that we are on the same level as our friendly services around the world," stated Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt in comments published by "Bild" newspaper. He emphasized the need for "operational capabilities and competencies, to be able to act against modern state terrorism and extremist groups more effectively."

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We want to make our intelligence services into real secret services. It is time that we are on the same level as our friendly services around the world.

The proposed changes would enable German intelligence agencies to undertake actions such as cyberattacks, including manipulating or deleting data, altering instructions for weapons construction, or disrupting payments to enemy agents. The reform also contemplates the possibility of conducting sabotage operations abroad in cases of war threats. However, the use of force against individuals in foreign countries will remain prohibited, though members of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) will no longer require special permission to travel abroad armed.

The reform also seeks to enhance the powers of the domestic intelligence agency, the Office for the Protection of the Constitution. This includes expanding its capacity to analyze vast amounts of data using artificial intelligence, as well as improving its capabilities in digital searches and surveillance of residences. These proposed enhancements follow a recent incident at Leipzig airport where a drone carrying explosives was found near a Ukrainian Antonov aircraft.

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For this, operational capabilities and competencies are required, to be able to act against modern state terrorism and extremist groups more effectively.