German spies handed new powers to tackle 'hybrid threats' from abroad

What the report says

Germany’s Bundestag has approved a significant overhaul of the country’s intelligence laws, giving the foreign intelligence service, the BND, and the domestic security agency, the BfV, broader powers to respond to espionage, terrorism and sabotage. The BBC reports that the package passed by 309 votes to 190, with 71 abstentions, after Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt argued the changes were needed to confront growing threats from abroad.

Under the new rules, BND officers will be allowed to carry out covert operations overseas, including sabotage-related activity. The legislation also expands the BfV’s authority beyond intelligence gathering, letting it take protective action in certain cases when concrete threats are identified. That includes measures affecting property and IT systems, as well as stronger digital surveillance powers such as monitoring encrypted communications, conducting online searches and using AI-supported analysis.

The government says the reforms respond to increased pressure from foreign actors, particularly Russia, China and Iran. Dobrindt described Germany as facing “hybrid threats,” while critics on the political left warned the changes could blur the line between intelligence work and policing. The BBC notes that those concerns reflect longstanding sensitivities in Germany over secret-state powers, shaped by the country’s history. The debate comes amid recent security incidents, including suspected Russian-linked sabotage and drone activity reported in Germany.