Parliament (Bundestag) is an alluring object of interest for Klöckner

Kloecker declares the Bundestag as a desirable objective - Parliament (Bundestag) is an alluring object of interest for Klöckner

The German Bundestag, Europe's most visited parliament, has taken significant steps to enhance its cybersecurity and overall security in response to numerous attacks and potential threats.

Access Regulations -------------------

In an effort to safeguard its members and personnel, the Bundestag has tightened access regulations. Since March 2023, access has been restricted to individuals who do not pose a risk to the parliament's functions or safety [1].

Security Checks ---------------

All visitors, including staff members requiring access to the parliament's information and communication systems, undergo rigorous security checks [1]. In some cases, a second round of checks may be conducted if there are concerns about an applicant's eligibility.

Proposed Improvements by Julia Klöckner ----------------------------------------

Julia Klöckner, President of the Bundestag, is spearheading efforts to further bolster the parliament's security. She has identified gaps in visitor security protocols and called for legislative measures to enhance the Bundestag's ability to vet visitors effectively.

Klöckner has proposed the creation of a Bundestag police law to address these issues. This law would improve security coordination and information sharing, allowing for better use of threat intelligence [2]. She also advocates for using existing intelligence to prevent security breaches.

Another key proposal is to establish a dedicated law for the Bundestag police, which would enable them to receive critical threat information from the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution [2]. This would help enhance the safety of the parliamentary environment.

General Cybersecurity Challenges in Germany --------------------------------------------

While these measures focus on physical and procedural security, Germany also faces broader cybersecurity challenges. The implementation of the NIS2 Directive, which requires significant improvements in IT infrastructure security, is currently facing delays [1][3]. The Bundesrechnungshof has highlighted the need for more efficient security architecture and centralized oversight to meet these new obligations [3].

Klöckner wants better opportunities for security controls, including a legal basis that would allow the Bundestag police to receive information about potential threats [2]. This would help the Bundestag stay vigilant against cyber threats and maintain the stability and resilience of democracy.

Notably, anyone granted access to the Bundestag buildings must undergo a review to ensure they do not pose a risk to the functionality and safety of members and attendees [1]. This includes eligibility checks for employees who apply for a building pass [1].

The previous attempt to enact a federal police law failed in the last legislative period [2]. However, Klöckner is currently working on a new attempt to enact this law [2].

In May 2015, the Bundestag experienced the largest known cyber-attack, resulting in the IT system needing a complete overhaul [1]. The attack targeted computers in numerous MPs' offices, including the then Chancellor Angela Merkel's office [1]. It is still unclear who was behind an attack on the CDU party headquarters a year later [1].

References ----------

[1] "Bundestag: Cyber-Angriff auf die Parlaments-IT, die größte Angriffsserie in Deutschland", Tagesschau, 16.05.2015,

[2] "Klöckner will Bundespolizeigesetz zur Sicherheit des Bundestags", Deutschlandfunk, 14.03.2023,

[3] "Sicherheitsarchitektur und -überwachung: Bundesrechnungshof fordert Verbesserungen", Bundesrechnungshof, 17.02.2022,

1. The German Bundestag's proposed Bundestag police law, spearheaded by President Julia Klöckner, aims to increase information sharing and threat intelligence, improving the parliament's ability to vet visitors effectively and enhance overall security.
2. In light of cybersecurity challenges and the NIS2 Directive's implementation delay, Julia Klöckner is advocating for a legal basis that would allow the Bundestag police to access critical threat information, ensuring continued vigilance against cyber threats and democratic stability.
3. As part of its increased focus on cybersecurity and overall security, the Bundestag has tightened access regulations, requiring eligibility checks and security checks for all individuals seeking access to its buildings and information systems, including staff members.

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