Germany's government has announced plans to strengthen security checks for personnel in sensitive sectors of both government and business. This decision follows a rise in suspected espionage incidents within the country.

On Wednesday, Germany's Interior Ministry announced a draft legislation aimed at expanding review measures for personnel working in sensitive fields, particularly in IT and communications sectors, as well as within government and critical infrastructure.

This decision comes in response to a noticeable increase in suspected espionage activities connected to Russia and China since the onset of the Ukraine war. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser highlighted that the threats posed by espionage and sabotage to democracy have reached what she described as "a new dimension."

Faeser pointed out that "Russian aggression in Europe has fundamentally changed the security situation." She also noted that Germany has become a focal point for the intelligence services of various nations, indicating a heightened need for vigilance. "To reduce security risks, we must take a closer look at those we trust with significant responsibilities and confidential information in security-relevant areas of the state and our critical infrastructures," she stated.

The proposed legislation includes mandatory screening measures for individuals occupying security-relevant positions, such as those in IT and communications. This encompasses critical infrastructure sectors like railways and power supply control centers, as well as the upper echelons of the federal government, including ministries, the Chancellery, and the Office of the Federal President.

The screening process will evaluate candidates for any problematic statements made on online platforms. Faeser emphasized, "We will not allow extremists to sabotage our democratic constitutional state from within."

The Cabinet approved the bill on Wednesday, but it must now be passed by lawmakers for the new measures to be enacted into law.

Germany has experienced several instances of alleged espionage linked to Moscow since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Notably, a former German intelligence officer was accused of transmitting sensitive information to Russia, revealing Berlin's insights into Moscow's mercenary operations in Ukraine.

Concerns regarding Chinese espionage have also intensified. In a high-profile case from April, an aide to a member of the European Parliament from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party was arrested on suspicion of spying for Beijing.