Dutch spy agencies to get more powers against foreign enemies

**Dutch Intelligence Services to Receive Expanded Authority to Counter Foreign Threats**

*The Hague, 29 August 2026* – The Dutch government announced that the country’s two intelligence agencies will be granted additional powers aimed at tracking and disrupting “obvious adversaries,” a term that includes Russian hackers and other foreign actors deemed hostile to the Netherlands.

The new measures are intended to strengthen the agencies’ ability to monitor, investigate, and neutralise activities that threaten national security. While the specific legal instruments and operational tools have not been detailed publicly, officials indicated that the expanded authority will focus on cyber‑related threats and other forms of foreign interference.

The decision follows a broader assessment of the security environment in Europe, where state‑sponsored cyber operations have increased in frequency and sophistication. Dutch authorities have previously highlighted the challenges posed by Russian cyber groups, which have been linked to espionage, disinformation campaigns, and attacks on critical infrastructure.

The announcement was reported by *DutchNews* and is part of an ongoing effort to modernise the country’s intelligence capabilities in line with evolving threats. No timeline for implementation has been provided, and the government has indicated that the new powers will be subject to existing oversight mechanisms.

Stakeholders, including civil‑rights organisations, have called for transparency regarding the scope of the expanded powers and the safeguards that will protect citizens’ privacy. The ministries responsible for intelligence have pledged to maintain oversight and ensure that any new measures comply with Dutch and European legal standards.

Article and image source: dutchnews.nl