German intel chief seeks expanded powers to fight hybrid threats

WISE NEWS PRESS / BERLIN, GERMANY — DEC. 16, 2025

Germany's domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV), has issued a stark call for expanded legal powers to combat the rising tide of espionage and sabotage, particularly emanating from Russia.

The demand comes as German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently characterized the country's security situation with the grim assessment: "We are not at war, but we are no longer at peace". Since the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, security officials have warned of a "hybrid war" targeting Germany through a mix of cyber operations, disinformation, and physical sabotage.

'Early warning system' under pressure

Sinan Selen, President of the BfV, is pushing harder than ever for legal reforms that would allow his agency to act effectively as an early warning system. Speaking at an annual symposium in Berlin, Selen highlighted the technological gaps hindering current investigations.

"There are now forms of communication that we can only partially resolve. There are actors moving under pseudonyms," Selen stated. "As an intelligence agency, I need to be able to enter these spaces".

Legislative reforms on the table

The push for more power has high-level political backing. Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt has reportedly announced preparations for security reforms, supported by the Chancellery. Philipp Wolff, who coordinates Germany's three main intelligence services (BfV, BND, and MAD), outlined specific necessities:

• Increasing online surveillance capacities.

• Mandatory recording of IP addresses.

• Easier transfer of personal data between security agencies.

However, these measures face potential hurdles from Germany's Federal Constitutional Court, which has a history of striking down strict security laws challenged by civil rights groups and the opposition. Selen remains optimistic, pointing to France and the Netherlands as examples of EU nations with broader intelligence mandates and fewer legal restrictions.

Tech independence from the US

Addressing relations with the United States under the leadership of Donald Trump, Selen dismissed fears of a complete intelligence breakdown but emphasized the need for European autonomy.

He advocated for reducing Europe's dependence on U.S. technology, particularly regarding software used to analyze digital communications. While many nations use the controversial U.S. software Palantir, Selen suggested a shift toward domestic alternatives. "We have companies here that can do this," he said, calling for greater support for local tech firms.

Experts note that Germany remains a "particularly attractive target" for Moscow due to its geographic location and strategic role within NATO, with critical infrastructure being the most at-risk sector.

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