Germany is realigning its security policy. However, the intelligence services, as the early warning system of a robust democracy, are challenged by an unclear legal situation and rapid technological development.
The intelligence services are not mentioned in the German National Security Strategy, criticises Roderich Kiesewetter, Member of the German Parliament and deputy chairman of the Parliamentary Control Panel. At Behörden Spiegel conference on intelligence services, he called for improvements. He said that the different services do not have a common picture of security situation. This makes it difficult for politicians to get an overall picture of the threat situation. Therefore, Kiesewetter demands that the intelligence services be given the duty of preparing an overall threat assessment.
Furthermore, the intelligence services suffer from lengthy and complicated procurement processes. A leaner approach would be advisable here. Kiesewetter recommends that the federal government creates a “technical intelligence service”. This entity could manage procurement for all services. The Federal Intelligence Service (BND), the Military Counter-Intelligence Service (BAMAD) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution would benefit equally from this, Kiesewetter pointed out.
Gerhard Schindler, former president of BND, also spoke in favour of this idea: “We need a technical intelligence service to keep up with the rapid technical development.” Other countries such as United Kingdom and the United States have established such services. Germany must follow, Schindler emphazised. This technical intelligence service could be set up both at the federal level and jointly with the German states.
“I do not see the necessity for an independent, additional authority as described by Mr Schindler,” contradicted Dr. André Hahn, Member of the German Parliament. As a member of the Parliamentary Control Panel he thinks one could rather talk about new powers and technical capabilities for the existing services.
Benjamin Hilbricht, editorial staff
