The German government has agreed to grant new powers to intelligence agencies, including allowing the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) to secretly enter homes within Germany under specific conditions.

The German government, led by the coalition of the Union and SPD parties, has reached an agreement to expand the powers of domestic intelligence agencies. According to a report by Politico, the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) will now be permitted to secretly enter homes within Germany to conduct intelligence operations. This measure is part of a proposed reform to the country’s intelligence laws, as outlined in an amendment submitted by the coalition factions. The reform also includes provisions for the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) to intensify its focus on criminal networks that support extremist groups or other entities under surveillance.

Under the new regulations, the BND will be allowed to enter residences to prepare or execute intelligence measures. However, strict conditions apply to such actions, particularly for homes located in Germany or owned by German citizens abroad. Any operation involving the entry of homes must be explicitly authorized by the BND and reviewed in advance by the Independent Control Council. Additionally, the BfV will gain expanded authority to investigate organized crime structures if there is evidence that these networks are aiding individuals or groups monitored by the agency. This move is reportedly aimed at addressing the use of ‘low-level agents’ and ‘crime-as-a-service’ offerings by state or extremist actors.

The reform also introduces new tools for handling telecommunications data. Both the BND and BfV will be able to instruct telecom providers to temporarily store existing traffic data if there are indications that the data could become relevant for intelligence purposes. However, access to these stored data will require a separate request for disclosure, and the BND’s data retention period is limited to a maximum of three months. These measures are part of broader efforts to enhance the operational capabilities of Germany’s intelligence services while maintaining oversight mechanisms.