Germany Drafts BND Expansion Legislation Granting Foreign Sabotage Authority Amid Growing Russian Hybrid Warfare Threat

Germany is drafting legislation that would grant the BND authority to independently plan and execute sabotage operations outside German territory, while expanding internet data analysis capabilities and allowing infiltration of tech platforms. Chancellor Merz stated "The BND must work at the highest level." The expansion responds to Russia's intensifying hybrid warfare including sabotage, cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and contract killings across Europe. Germany's ministry assesses Russia is developing capabilities to wage large-scale war against NATO by 2029. The BND chief warned of increased sabotage risks targeting Germany's regional elections.