Reformen: Neue Befugnisse für Geheimdienste, Zoll und Altersvorsorge – das hat das Kabinett heute beschlossen

The German government has granted the intelligence agencies expanded powers, marking one of the most significant reforms to the country's security apparatus in recent years. On Wednesday in Berlin, the Cabinet approved a package of proposals from Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU). In addition to the security overhaul, the Cabinet passed legislation related to combating financial crime, private pension savings for children, carbon pricing, and youth protection.

The Bundesverfassungsschutz (Federal Constitutional Protection Agency) and the Bundesnachrichtendienst (Federal Intelligence Service) will now have active powers to disrupt attackers' infrastructure and intervene in extreme threat situations. This represents a marked shift from their previous role of observation and information gathering and is largely driven by the Russian threat posed by cyberattacks, disinformation campaigns, and hybrid warfare.

The German agencies currently have fewer competencies compared to their counterparts in the UK and France. The legislation still needs to pass the Bundestag, but the Bundesrat does not have the power to block it. The Zoll (Customs) agency receives enhanced capabilities against financial crime. A new administrative procedure allows for the seizure of assets worth 100,000 euros or more, if there are reasonable doubts about their legal origin.

The decision on asset seizure will be made by a financial court, with artificial intelligence, drone usage, and blocking communication of criminals being new tools at the Customs' disposal. Starting from 2028, the ministry projects an additional revenue of approximately 308 million euros annually, based on a 50% success rate model.

The ministry acknowledges the lack of reliable statistics on assets with unlawful origins. From 2027, every German child aged 6 to 18 will receive a monthly allowance of ten euros from the state for their pension savings. Parents can establish a certified deposit account with a private provider, but if they do not, the Bund will invest the funds in a special account managed by the Bundesbank.

The goal is to enable children from lower-income households to build a capital stock from an early age. The scheme starts with the birth cohort of 2020, with children turning six in 2026. Previous cohorts are excluded. The costs are projected to rise from 198 million euros in 2027 to 411 million euros by 2030. The CO2 price ceiling remains unchanged for 2027, despite the shift of a new European emissions trading system for buildings and transport to 2028.

The government aims to maintain predictability for consumers and businesses. For motorists, the CO2 surcharge on fuel will remain the same as in 2026, with an estimated 17 cents per liter for average fuel prices. The CDU's Karin Prien (Family Minister) introduced legislation to ban accompanied drinking for 14- and 15-year-olds, which is currently permitted under the Youth Protection Act.

The removal of this exception will undermine the protection of young people from health and social consequences of alcohol consumption and contradicts the government's goals in preventing addiction. The ban applies to beer, wine, and sparkling wine consumed with parental presence.