German Bundestag approves major intelligence reform to expand operational powers

The German Bundestag approved a major reform of the country's intelligence services on November 13, 2026. The new legislation expands the operational and sabotage powers of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), and the Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD).

German Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt described the reform as historic and stated it will transform intelligence services into true secret services to defend democracy. Alexander Dobrindt also characterized the changes as a reform of the century that is necessary due to increasing threats from foreign powers.

Expanded operational and digital authorities

The reform grants the BND authorization to conduct clandestine operations abroad. These new powers include sabotaging infrastructure, disabling hacker servers, and interfering with supply chains. Additionally, the legislation allows for hackbacks, which include the ability to delete or alter data and disseminate false information to disrupt adversaries.

The BfV received expanded capabilities for digital surveillance, AI-powered data analysis, and biometric identification. Under exceptional circumstances, the BfV may conduct secret entries into private residences or interfere with explosives and weapons. However, the new mandate explicitly excludes operations intended to kill, according to El Mundo.

Oversight and regional cooperation

To manage these new authorities, a Control Council composed of former judges will be established. This council will pre-evaluate the legality of specific measures, such as unauthorized entries into homes. This oversight mechanism aims to monitor the use of expanded powers.

The reform also allows the BfV and the BND to limit cooperation with regional constitutional protection services. Observador reported that this provision follows the AfD victory in Saxony-Anhalt. This shift marks a change in how the federal agencies interact with regional security entities.

Contested nature of the reform

The nature of the legislative overhaul remains a subject of intense political debate. While the government views the reform as a necessary tool to defend democracy, opposition members have raised significant concerns. Clara Bünger, the security spokesperson for the Left Party, stated that the new powers essentially create a new German secret police.

Historically, German intelligence services have focused primarily on information gathering rather than active operations due to historical reasons. This reform represents a significant shift toward active operational capabilities for the BND, the BfV, and the MAD.

Glossary

• Bundestag — The Bundestag is the German federal legislature. It is the body where political factions, such as the CDU/CSU, hold seats.
• Federal Intelligence Service (BND) — The Federal Intelligence Service (BND) is a German intelligence service. Its role is roughly equivalent to the CIA in the United States.
• Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) — The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) is Germany's domestic intelligence agency. Its role involves monitoring threats to the liberal democratic constitution.
• Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) — The Military Counterintelligence Service (MAD) is responsible for registering right-wing extremist incidents in the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr). It monitors such incidents to report them to parliament and the public.