Chancellor Merz Calls for Strengthening German Spy Agency to Combat Rising Hybrid Threats

German Chancellor Olaf Merz has emphasized the urgent need to bolster the nation’s intelligence capabilities in response to an escalating landscape of hybrid threats. These threats encompass a combination of cyber-attacks, disinformation campaigns, and covert operations that challenge national security without overt military conflict.

Recent developments in geopolitical tensions and sophisticated tactics employed by hostile actors have underscored the limitations of existing spy agencies in Germany. Chancellor Merz advocates for increased funding, enhanced technological tools, and greater personnel training to ensure the agency can effectively detect and respond to these complex threats.

Key measures proposed include:

• Expanding the intelligence service’s cyber defense and offensive capabilities.
• Improving interagency cooperation and information sharing within Germany and with allied nations.
• Implementing advanced analytical methods to anticipate hybrid operations.
• Strengthening legal frameworks to support intelligence activities while respecting civil liberties.

This initiative aligns with a broader European effort to safeguard democratic institutions against covert interference and to enhance collective security mechanisms. Chancellor Merz’s call reflects a proactive stance toward adapting Germany’s security posture in an increasingly complex global environment.

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