Germany Wants One Security System. Its Federal Model Is Getting in the Way
Germany is preparing one of its most significant internal security reforms in years after a series of high-profile attacks exposed weaknesses in coordination between federal and state authorities. The government argues that the country's decentralised security architecture no longer matches today's threats—from Islamist extremism to hybrid attacks—and is seeking to shift more intelligence-sharing and surveillance powers to the federal level.
Germany's coalition government is moving toward a broad overhaul of the country's internal security system, arguing that recent attacks have revealed structural weaknesses in how law enforcement and intelligence agencies cooperate. Rather than focusing solely on tougher policing or harsher penalties, Berlin is targeting the architecture of the security system itself.
The debate intensified after the deadly attack near Berlin Pride celebrations, where authorities faced renewed criticism over how a known extremist remained under insufficient monitoring despite previous convictions. Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt have since framed the incident as evidence that Germany's fragmented security model is no longer fit for purpose.
A federal system built for another era
Germany's security structure has long reflected the country's post-war constitutional philosophy. Police forces are primarily controlled by the sixteen federal states (Länder), while domestic intelligence responsibilities are divided between the federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) and separate state-level agencies. This decentralisation was deliberately designed to prevent excessive concentration of power after the experience of Nazi Germany.
For decades, the model prioritised democratic oversight and regional autonomy. But security threats have changed dramatically. Terrorist networks, online radicalisation, organised crime and foreign influence operations operate across state borders and move faster than institutions built around regional jurisdictions.
Government officials increasingly argue that information-sharing between federal and state agencies remains too slow, creating gaps that dangerous individuals can exploit. While Germany already has mechanisms for cooperation, Berlin believes they no longer provide sufficient operational coordination during fast-moving security crises.
More power for the federal government
The proposed reforms would strengthen coordination between federal police, intelligence services and state authorities while expanding the federal government's ability to monitor individuals considered high-risk. Officials are also discussing broader use of electronic monitoring, preventive detention in specific cases and changes to surveillance responsibilities that would allow federal agencies to play a larger operational role.
Although the government presents these measures as a response to terrorism, they fit into a wider transformation already underway. Earlier this year Berlin announced plans to modernise Germany's intelligence community, expand the powers of the Federal Intelligence Service (BND) and improve coordination against hybrid threats, including cyberattacks, espionage and foreign interference.
Security becomes a question of governance
The discussion reaches beyond policing. Germany's 2023 National Security Strategy introduced the concept of "Integrated Security", arguing that military, intelligence, economic resilience, cyber security and civil protection should no longer be treated as separate policy areas. The current reform agenda is increasingly viewed as an attempt to translate that concept into institutional practice.
For years, analysts have pointed out that Germany lacked a central mechanism capable of coordinating security policy across ministries and levels of government. While many European countries operate through national security councils or highly centralised intelligence coordination, Germany's federal model has often depended on consensus between numerous agencies and state governments, slowing decision-making during crises.
The political challenge
Reforming Germany's security architecture is unlikely to be straightforward. Many Länder governments remain protective of their constitutional powers over policing and intelligence. Any transfer of authority toward Berlin risks reopening long-standing debates about federalism, civil liberties and the balance between security and democratic oversight.
At the same time, political pressure is mounting. Public concern over terrorism and extremist violence has increased, while the government faces growing demands to demonstrate that security institutions can respond more effectively to emerging threats. Opposition parties are also using recent attacks to question whether Germany's existing model can adequately protect the public.
Whatever shape the final legislation takes, the reform marks a broader shift in Germany's strategic thinking. For decades, decentralisation was viewed primarily as a safeguard against abuse of power. Today, Berlin increasingly sees stronger central coordination as a prerequisite for responding to a security environment defined by cross-border threats, hybrid warfare and rapidly evolving extremist networks.
Sources: Interface EU, The Guardian, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, Reuters