SPD parliamentary group deputy chair Sonja Eichwede expects the intelligence service reform to strengthen the cooperation of German intelligence services with foreign partners. Eichwede told the Funke Media Group newspapers (Friday editions) that modern threats necessitate empowering their intelligence services with new capabilities. These capabilities include the ability for the agencies to gather more information and actively repel attacks in emergencies. Eichwede stated that the services must be able to work on equal footing with their allies, which promotes cooperation and increases security. The Bundestag is set to make the final vote on the government’s intelligence service reform on Friday. This will give German services greater surveillance powers. In the future, they will be able to actively counter threats with active counter-attacks. Eichwede said that the reform also involves deeper and more effective oversight of the intelligence services. According to the SPD politician, essential measures taken by the services will need prior approval in the future. Furthermore, the rights of the Parliamentary Control Panel will be strengthened, and the oversight of intelligence service powers by the Independent Control Council will be expanded.
Mixed
