Germany is set to propose major reforms to its national intelligence services on August 14, 2026, that would give agencies new powers to conduct covert cyber and offensive operations [1, 2].
The reforms aim to transform the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution from mainly gathering intelligence to an active agency with broader offensive powers [3]. These include conducting cyberattacks, disrupting terrorist and foreign agent networks, infiltrating computers and smartphones, and expanding access to communication and video data [1, 3, 2].
Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt presented the reform plan to the German Cabinet on August 12 [3]. He stated, "The hybrid threat situation, attempts to destabilize through sabotage, espionage, cyberattacks and covert actions by foreign powers are receiving a new response. We are turning our intelligence services into real secret services" [3].
The reforms come amid rising hybrid threats facing Germany, mainly attributed to Russia, including sabotage, espionage, disinformation, and cyberattacks [1, 3, 2]. Germany has invested record funds in rebuilding its military since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine and is a major military supporter of Ukraine [1, 2].
Marc Henrichmann, chair of the Parliamentary Intelligence Oversight Committee, said Germany’s cautious past approach left it behind in European security. He noted recent events like the discovery of an explosive-laden drone at Leipzig airport earlier this month highlighted the urgent need for these reforms. Henrichmann said in part, “我們正處於一場不僅涉及俄羅斯、也涉及其他行為者的混合衝突之中。因此，我們的情報機構也必須與時俱進，並保持領先” and warned the opponents “無視法律與秩序” with goals to pressure and break Western resolve [1, 2].
The reform package authorizes intelligence services to digitally disable foreign information systems and cut off hostile funding flows, providing advanced digital tools for infiltration and surveillance [1, 3, 2]. Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s governing coalition supports strengthening intelligence powers to counter threats from foreign powers, terrorists, and cyber criminals [1, 2]. Dobrindt said, “It is high time that we make ourselves competitive and operate on an equal footing with our partner services around the world,” emphasizing the need for operational and active capabilities [3].
Germany plans to formally propose the intelligence reform on August 14, following the Cabinet presentation on August 12. Security agencies will then begin moving forward with deploying these expanded powers.
