German intelligence granted new powers to combat foreign hybrid threats

Germany has approved a law that grants the domestic intelligence service BfV expanded powers to address what officials describe as hybrid threats from abroad.

Under the legislation, BfV officers may, in certain circumstances, enter private residences covertly, but only after prior authorisation. The agency will also obtain broader digital surveillance abilities, such as monitoring encrypted communications, conducting online searches, and employing AI‑supported data analysis and biometric image matching on the internet.

The government argues the reforms are necessary because foreign espionage activities have risen, particularly from Russia, China and Iran. "We are the target of hybrid threats," said Dobrindt. "Germany is a theatre of operations for terrorism, extremism and foreign powers."

In August, a drone carrying an explosive device was found at Leipzig Airport close to Ukrainian cargo planes; the bomb did not detonate due to a faulty detonator. German authorities say Russia was behind the attack.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures. Clara Bünger of the Left Party told public broadcaster ARD that the new law was "a monster… summoning ghosts that we will probably never be able to get rid of". She warned that the separation between the police and the secret service was "being eroded" and added, "This means the secret service is being granted executive powers and will not only be allowed to act pre‑emptively, but will also be granted police powers."

Sonja Eichwede of the centre‑left SPD, which is part of the governing coalition, said the reforms would make a significant contribution to ensuring the country's democracy is "robust and resilient".