Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called for a more proactive and capable intelligence service to ensure the country can defend itself against growing global threats. Speaking on Thursday, Merz emphasized that the BND (Bundesnachrichtendienst), Germany’s foreign intelligence agency, must operate at a level commensurate with the nation’s economic strength.
Merz warned that Germany faces increasing risks from hybrid attacks and aggressive tactics by rival nations. “Our intelligence capabilities must reflect our position as one of the world’s leading economies,” he said, underlining the need for both modernisation and strategic foresight.
The chancellor’s remarks come amid broader discussions in Europe about national security, cybersecurity, and the role of intelligence services in protecting economic interests. Analysts note that Germany’s BND has traditionally focused on classical intelligence operations, but Merz’s vision suggests a more proactive approach, including countering digital and hybrid threats.
Officials and security experts have welcomed the push for stronger capabilities, arguing that a robust intelligence apparatus is critical not only for national security but also for safeguarding Germany’s global economic and technological influence.
As international tensions rise and hybrid threats become more sophisticated, Merz’s call reflects a strategic shift: Germany must ensure its intelligence services are equipped to protect both its people and its economic interests in an increasingly complex world.
