Given the current security situation, Konstantin von Notz, Deputy Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee for the Greens, believes that reforming the law governing intelligence services is long overdue. At the same time, he demanded a strengthening of oversight mechanisms.
Speaking to the “Rheinische Post,” von Notz noted that the federal intelligence services play a central role in defending against threats from authoritarian states, particularly Russia. For them to perform this crucial work, they require modern and constitutionally compliant legal frameworks. Therefore, the fact that the reform of intelligence service law is finally moving through the cabinet is overdue.
Looking specifically at the Federal Intelligence Service (BND), he stated that they are open to expanding powers, provided there is respect for constitutional limits and a significant increase in control, especially by the parliament. The Green politician criticized the draft proposals from the federal government, particularly the law originating from the Federal Ministry of the Interior concerning the BfV, as sorely lacking in both areas.
While he welcomed early adjustments, such as the removal of the “completely misguided” obligation of the BSI to relay vulnerabilities, further adjustments must urgently follow during the parliamentary process. If not, the coalition’s approach risks jeopardizing both the legal certainty for the agencies and the necessary public trust in the intelligence services’ work. Notz further stressed that Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) must realize that the situation is too serious to risk the success of the reform through “outdated competitive thinking and tactical games.”
