Germany Approves Law Expanding Intelligence Agency Covert Powers

The cabinet of Friedrich Merz approved draft legislation on Wednesday to significantly expand the operational powers of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV). The reforms transition these agencies from information-gathering bodies into proactive secret services capable of conducting covert operations, including hack-back cyber-attacks, disabling foreign IT systems, and blocking digital payments to agents.

These measures follow a series of security breaches, including a deadly car ramming at a Berlin Pride parade and the discovery of an explosive-laden drone near a Ukrainian cargo plane at Leipzig airport. The government argues the shift is necessary to counter hybrid threats and sabotage campaigns from Russia and China. While the law allows for foreign sabotage and expanded AI-driven data collection, it maintains a strict ban on assassinations and lethal operations.

To balance these new capabilities, the legislation proposes an independent oversight board of federal judges to ensure adherence to the rule of law. However, the Green party and the Society for Civil Rights warn the law may violate constitutional bans on intelligence agencies exercising police powers and infringe upon privacy rights. The draft now moves to parliament for final approval.