Germany plans to give spies vast new powers in rollback of postwar restraints

(Nette Nöstlinger – Politico) Germany is moving to fortify its foreign intelligence agency with sweeping new powers in preparation for a potential divorce from the United States. The plan comes as German and other European leaders grow increasingly concerned that U.S. President Donald Trump could move to halt the American intelligence sharing Europe largely relies on — or exploit that dependence for leverage. Just as European countries must radically bolster their militaries to gain more autonomy, officials in Berlin argue, so too must Germany’s intelligence apparatus grow far more capable. – Germany plans to give spies vast new powers in rollback of postwar restraints – POLITICO