Merz highlighted at the inauguration of Martin Jaeger as head of the BND that Europe faces a deteriorating security environment, with hybrid threats such as espionage, sabotage, and disinformation escalating, especially after the Ukraine conflict.

He described the current security situation in Germany as unprecedented since World War II, with daily hybrid attacks targeting infrastructure and involving espionage, sabotage, and disinformation campaigns.

European security agencies, including Germany's, have warned of increasing hybrid threats linked to Russia, emphasizing the need for strong intelligence capabilities.

Jaeger warned that systemic rivals like China and Russia are becoming more aggressive, posing threats to critical infrastructure despite denying involvement.

The German government considers these threats serious, with officials warning of targeted attacks on critical infrastructure by these rivals.

He pointed out that daily hybrid assaults on critical infrastructure are a key security concern.

Berlin is committed to adapting its foreign and security policies to better address these emerging threats.

Jaeger aims to strengthen international cooperation and transform the BND into a formidable force against hybrid threats and intimidation.

Under Jaeger's leadership, the BND seeks to enhance Germany’s intelligence capabilities and global security posture.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized the importance of the BND operating at a level matching Germany's size and economic power to counter hybrid threats effectively.

Merz called for a paradigm shift in Germany’s foreign and security policy, advocating for a proactive intelligence approach across civil, military, and technical fields.

He urged the BND to operate at the highest levels to address these threats comprehensively.

Jaeger’s appointment comes at a time when Germany has become the second-largest arms supplier to Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in 2022, raising national security stakes.

Russia is identified as a systemic rival increasing hybrid operations, although it denies involvement, with concerns about other adversaries implied.

Jaeger, aged 61 and a former ambassador to Ukraine, was appointed amid heightened tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.