Germany Grants Spy Agencies Expanded Powers
Germany Grants Spy Agencies Expanded Powers
The News
Germany's cabinet on Wednesday approved draft legislation to expand the powers of its intelligence services, citing a rising threat from "foreign powers."
The measure strengthens both the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), which handles foreign intelligence, and the domestic security agency (BfV).
Officials say the goal is to reduce Germany's reliance on tips from its allies and to counter so-called hybrid threats.
Timeline
The German cabinet approved the draft legislation to grant its spy agencies more powers.
Reactions
German intelligence services back the reforms, saying the country lags behind both its allies and its adversaries and needs the expanded authority to keep pace, according to The Guardian.
The Guardian described the package as a security "revolution," reporting that it complies with a longstanding wishlist from the intelligence services.
Reuters and CTV News reported the cabinet framed the changes as a response to escalating hybrid threats and the actions of foreign powers.
What's Next
The draft legislation still needs to move through Germany's legislative process before the expanded powers take effect.
More
Germany is the European Union's most populous nation and a key US and NATO ally, making the scope of its intelligence reach a matter of interest well beyond its borders.
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