Advocates Propose Adjustments to the Fundamental Constitution to Bolster Cybersecurity Safeguards
Firing Up the Fight Against Cyber Threats: A Call for Action
Deputy Konstantin von Notz of the Green Party isn't holding back, urging for a swift constitutional amendment to beef up the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) amidst escalating digital threats. In an interview with "Handelsblatt," he emphasized the urgency of allowing the BSI to lend assistance to states in the face of severe attacks against digital infrastructure.
The wheels have been turning on this proposed amendment for quite some time, but it's been stalled by the Union. Von Notz isn't shy about his criticism, claiming that too little action has been taken to safeguard democracy, institutions, and critical infrastructure. The implementation of the EU directives NIS-2 and CER is long overdue, despite concrete bill drafts being accessible.
Von Notz levels accusations at CDU chairman Friedrich Merz, alleging that Merz intentionally withheld protective measures for tactical reasons, effectively wasting valuable time.
Likewise, von Notz insists on the necessity of a comprehensive law for safeguarding critical infrastructure. He passionately advocates for a unified shield across sectors, dubbing it the . Federal Minister of the Interior Alexander Dobrindt (CSU) had previously pledged to submit this law "immediately." Von Notz remains hopeful, promising to keep pushing.
SPD interior politician Sebastian Fiedler joins the call, demanding the creation of "long overdue cyber defense powers" for the Federal Criminal Police Office. He also calls for clear task assignments for both law enforcement and risk prevention. Fiedler encourages swift implementation of these measures.
Behind the Scenes
The digital landscape is a battlefield in Germany, with the new government aggressively pursuing IT security. Plans for the implementation of the EU-wide NIS 2 Directive and amendments to the national legal framework for IT security are underway, aiming to redefine security standards and responsibilities [4].
In addition to these initiatives, Germany is also expected to enact the KIMÜG, which involves establishing market surveillance authorities and AI sandboxes for the EU AI Act, although these do not directly address constitutional amendments related to cybersecurity [3].
Recent constitutional amendments in Germany, such as the exception to the debt brake for defense spending, do not focus on cybersecurity or the BSI [1][2][5]. For specific details regarding proposed amendments related to the BSI and the Kritis roof law, additional research or official government sources may be necessary.
- Deputy Konstantin von Notz of the Green Party has urged for a swift constitutional amendment to strengthen the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), citing the need for it to provide assistance to states in times of severe digital attacks.
- Handelblatt interviewed von Notz, who accused CDU chairman Friedrich Merz of intentionally withholding protective measures for tactical reasons, delaying the implementation of European Union directives like NIS-2 and CER.
- In the arena of policy-and-legislation, von Notz advocates for a comprehensive law, the 'Kritis roof law', to safeguard critical infrastructure, a call that has been echoed by SPD interior politician Sebastian Fiedler, who also demands the creation of cyber defense powers for the Federal Criminal Police Office.
