The evolving US national security strategy is raising concerns about potential damage to intelligence cooperation between Germany and the United States, according to leading German parliamentarians and former intelligence officials. Marc Henrichmann, Chairman of the Parliamentary Oversight Committee in the Bundestag, cautioned against a reflexive German review of its intelligence relationships, arguing the onus lies with former President Donald Trump to reconsider his actions, which risk dismantling decades of transatlantic collaboration.
Henrichmann’s statement, published by the Redaktionsnetzwerk Deutschland, underscores a growing recognition in Berlin that German intelligence services must cultivate robust capabilities independent of US support, even if it involves challenging existing operational partnerships. He emphasized the necessity of a harmonized and advanced operational level across European intelligence agencies to ensure resilience.
Former BND President Gerhard Schindler echoed the seriousness of the situation, noting that the US is not only articulating its interests but is also prepared to aggressively enforce them, directly impacting information sharing with foreign counterparts. He bluntly acknowledged Germany’s reliance on US intelligence assets while highlighting the stark reality that the United States possesses significantly less need for German intelligence capabilities.
The Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (Verfassungsschutz) President, Sinan Selen, also responded to the US strategy, stating the need to continually review and strengthen alliances.
Underlying the diplomatic concerns are politically charged accusations levelled within the US strategy paper itself. The document reportedly expresses support for “patriotic forces” in Europe – a veiled reference to parties like the AfD – that oppose the prevailing policies and values of established democratic politicians. Critiques of alleged democratic deficits and restrictions on freedom of expression are also included, alongside reservations regarding European digital regulations aimed at curbing disinformation and limiting the power of technology conglomerates. This combination of assertive US interests and politically sensitive commentary is placing considerable strain on the established transatlantic intelligence framework and prompting a reevaluation of Germany’s dependence on US support.