Germany approves intelligence agency reforms to expand operational capabilities

On August 13, 2026, the German cabinet under Chancellor Friedrich Merz approved a significant legislative reform of the country’s intelligence services. This move, driven by concerns over hybrid threats and tensions attributed to Vladimir Putin’s Russia, seeks to modernize the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND) and the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, dismantling post-World War II restrictions designed to limit state surveillance and aggressive operations.

Key provisions of the reform include granting the BND authority to conduct offensive cyber operations, engage in sabotage, and target foreign infrastructure in response to disinformation or cyberattacks. Additionally, intelligence officers are now permitted to access encrypted devices, monitor communication from the source, and enter private premises to neutralize threats like bomb-making materials. The reforms also grant expanded powers that reportedly include, according to some reports, the capability to open fire in certain circumstances.

While approved by the cabinet, the legislation faces ongoing scrutiny. Critics and media outlets like Welt highlight concerns regarding fundamental rights, the necessity of parliamentary oversight, and the potential risks of increased police involvement in intelligence activities. The government is now moving toward implementing these powers, though the debate regarding the exact scope and constitutional limits of these new functions continues within German society and political circles.