German parliament approves expanded intelligence agency powers

On November 13, 2026, the German Bundestag passed a major legislative reform granting expanded authorities to the country's intelligence agencies. This legislative move is designed to enhance the government's capability to counter rising security threats, including espionage, terrorism, and sabotage, while simultaneously reducing reliance on international intelligence partners.

Under the new regulations, the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is authorized—under specific conditions—to conduct covert home entries, perform counter-cyberattacks to disrupt infrastructure, redirect data traffic, delete attack-related information, and disseminate disinformation. Both the BND and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) will now utilize advanced technological tools, including enhanced telecommunications monitoring and the use of biometric data matching. Furthermore, the BfV gains the mandate to restrict cooperation with regional state authorities in cases involving political concerns, such as the rise of the AfD party.

The reform serves as a fundamental overhaul of German intelligence laws, equipping agencies with broader operational and digital capabilities. The government emphasized that these changes are necessary to address the evolving nature of security threats against the nation.