Germany is actively working to enhance its cybersecurity measures and intelligence capabilities in response to growing threats from hostile state-sponsored hackers. Berlin is developing two key bills aimed at reforming the external intelligence service's powers and expanding the authorities of security services to address hybrid threats. The first bill seeks to revise the constitutional powers of the foreign intelligence service, allowing it to conduct cyber operations abroad, while the second bill focuses on granting security services expanded competencies for proactive measures against such threats, including counteractions.

One significant aspect of the proposed legislation is the requirement for constitutional amendments, necessitating a two-thirds majority vote from both chambers of the German Parliament for its approval. This underscores the seriousness of the issue and the government's commitment to addressing national security in a comprehensive manner. In contrast, the second bill, which aims to provide security authorities with enhanced powers for "active cyber defense," only requires a simple majority for passage, reflecting a more immediate approach to deal with real-time cyber threats.

Moreover, the legislation emphasizes the importance of enabling security services to respond to critical situations that affect national interests. The proposed operational powers will allow these agencies to take swift action, even in instances where assistance from police or armed forces is delayed or impractical, particularly in foreign contexts. This move highlights Germany's intent to adopt a more assertive and proactive stance in the realm of cybersecurity and intelligence operations, reflecting a growing recognition of the need to safeguard national resources against digital threats.