German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is reportedly planning a significant expansion of powers for Germany's foreign intelligence service, the Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), according to Swedish media reports. The proposed changes would grant German intelligence agents increased authority to conduct operations abroad, including cyberattacks, offensive espionage, and in some cases, sabotage and other criminal activities in foreign countries.
Intelligence expert Jörgen Holmlund, quoted in the reports, suggested the expansion reflects changing dynamics in international intelligence cooperation. "I don't think Germans fully trust the Americans anymore," Holmlund stated, indicating a potential shift away from traditional transatlantic intelligence partnerships.
Germany needs to defend itself against attacks and protect lives and the country's existence.
The BND, founded in the 1950s, has historically operated under strict limitations due to Germany's dark historical experiences with intelligence services. The proposed expansion would represent a major policy shift, with new legislation potentially being in place by autumn 2026 if approved by the Bundestag, Germany's federal parliament.
According to the reports, the intelligence service would receive both increased funding and expanded operational mandates. The changes come amid broader discussions about Germany's role in global intelligence operations and its strategic autonomy in an increasingly complex international security environment.
The move is part of a larger trend toward European digital sovereignty.
The U.S. has unmatched resources in signals intelligence, which would be difficult for Europeans to replace.