German parliament approves broader powers for intelligence services

Germany's parliament on Friday approved a restructuring of the country's intelligence services, giving them new powers to conduct covert operations. The reform affects both the foreign intelligence agency BND and the domestic security service, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV). It is intended to strengthen the state's ability to counter growing threats from abroad.

Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt, who took part in drafting the reforms, told lawmakers that Germany serves as an arena for terrorism, extremism and foreign powers.

What the reform changes

Until now, German intelligence work was largely limited to gathering and analysing information. Security officials and political leaders have long argued that the BND needs to become stronger and more influential so it can respond to threats from hostile external forces.

The newly approved powers will allow the BND to potentially respond with its own sabotage operations and cyberattacks, and will significantly expand its ability to intercept and retain data. Assassinations, however, remain strictly prohibited.

The BfV, which monitors extremist groups and domestic threats, has mainly collected information and prepared reports. According to Dobrindt, it will now become a true secret service, although its operational role inside Germany will remain far more limited than the BND's activities abroad.

The threat from Russia

The biggest threat comes from Russia. BND head Martin Jäger has warned that Moscow is waging a "shadow war" against Germany using drones, espionage, sabotage, disinformation and other means.

Criticism and arguments in favour

Civil liberties groups and other critics warn that the reforms could weaken privacy protections and, through mass surveillance, sweep up the private data of innocent citizens. Expanding the BfV's role is especially controversial: opposition lawmakers from both the far right and the far left have voiced concern that it could become a "secret police".

Supporters of the reforms maintain that strict oversight of the powers remains in place and that intelligence services in other European democracies already have similar or even broader powers.