Key facts
- Germany faces a "shadow war" more extensive than the Cold War, according to Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt.
- Dobrindt stated the objective of this "shadow war" is to fundamentally destabilize Germany.
- The comments were made at a press conference for the BfV domestic intelligence agency.
- A government reform bill to expand intelligence powers is currently being examined by parliamentary committees.
Germany's Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt warned on Monday that the country is facing a "shadow war" that is more far-reaching than the threats encountered during the Cold War. Speaking at a press conference for the BfV domestic intelligence agency in Berlin, Dobrindt stated that the clear aim of this "shadow war" is to fundamentally destabilize Germany.
His remarks echo recent warnings from Germany's head of foreign intelligence, the BND, about the risk of entering a violent conflict with Moscow. The urgency to expand Germany's intelligence powers has increased since a failed drone attack at a German airport in August, which authorities attributed to Russia.
Dobrindt emphasized that Germany must maintain a leading position in developing intelligence services and capabilities, given the current challenges. The German intelligence services, established after World War Two, have historically operated with more constraints compared to those in allied nations like France, Britain, and the US. A government reform bill, intended to grant intelligence services broader powers including active defensive measures, is currently under review by parliamentary committees.