Germany was preparing a reform of the foreign intelligence service to reduce dependence on the USA.

Germany intends to reform its foreign intelligence service (BND) in the context of fears that the United States might suspend the exchange of essential information for Europe. The government in Berlin is considering expanding the powers of German spies and relaxing the restrictions imposed after World War II, to act more autonomously in the face of global threats. German leaders are concerned that the American president could use Europe's dependence on American information as a pressure tool.

The BND, founded in 1956 with legal limitations to prevent abuses, has restrictions that limit its ability to intervene directly in the case of threats. For example, the agency can identify cyber attack plans but cannot act to stop them.

The proposed reform includes an increase in the BND budget and the relaxation of data protection rules, allowing the use of artificial intelligence. The expansion of powers will require parliamentary approval, and German officials emphasize that, in the face of modern threats, they must act without artificial restrictions.