Niedersachsen’s Interior Minister Daniela Behrens (SPD) expressed criticism of Federal Interior Minister Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) over his proposals concerning a “cyber dome” and the organisation of intelligence services. When asked about the concept, Behrens admitted that she still does not understand what a cyber dome actually entails. She added that she is looking forward to a detailed presentation of the idea by the states. In Niedersachsen, a nationwide cyber‑security shield worth 30 million euros has just been launched to protect public administration.
Behrens said she would gladly participate in a nationwide initiative if it proves useful for her state. She also called for the strengthening of the Federal Office for Information Technology Security, describing it as “extremely sensible”.
Regarding constitutional protection, the minister was critical as well. She reminded that the framers of the Basic Law envisioned the constitution‑protection service as an early warning system for democracy. Its purpose is to collect information, monitor extremists and assess threats. In Niedersachsen, the state-level version of this service has been reformed and investigative capabilities improved. She clarified that the aim is not for an intelligence agency to act against other services. Behrens concluded by saying she is eager to see what the federal interior minister will bring forward as a constitutional‑protection reform, but that nothing concrete has been presented yet.