German Intelligence Leaders Urge Legal Changes to Counter Rising Threats
Berlin, Germany – October 13, 2025 – The heads of Germany’s three principal intelligence agencies have jointly appealed to the federal government and Chancellor Friedrich Merz for swift legal reforms, citing an escalating threat landscape requiring enhanced capabilities. The request signals a growing concern within German security circles regarding hostile state actors, particularly Russia, and the need to modernize legal frameworks governing intelligence operations.
This call for action comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions and a perceived increase in espionage, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns targeting germany.While specific threats weren’t detailed in the public statement, the urgency of the request underscores the severity of the situation and the intelligence community’s assessment that current legal restrictions hinder their ability to effectively safeguard national security. The move is expected to ignite debate over the balance between security and civil liberties, with potential implications for data privacy and surveillance powers.
Chancellor Merz acknowledged the need for increased support in mid-September, announcing additional funding for the intelligence services and a commitment to improving the legal environment in which they operate.Reform proposals are currently under advancement within various ministries and have, in certain specific cases, already received cabinet approval. Details regarding the scope of new powers sought by the agencies and the precise amount of additional funding remain undisclosed.
The german intelligence apparatus comprises the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), responsible for foreign intelligence; the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), which focuses on domestic intelligence and counter-espionage; and the military Counterintelligence Service (MAD), tasked with protecting the German armed forces. The coordinated appeal from thes three agencies underscores a unified assessment of the challenges facing Germany’s security infrastructure.
