The German domestic intelligence agency, the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, has reported that the country hosts approximately 60,000 far-right extremists. The figure, based on a classified assessment, underscores the scale of the threat within Germany. The British government has confirmed it is sharing threat data with Berlin, reflecting a broader international effort to monitor and counter far-right extremism.
According to the agency's analysis, around 15,000 of these individuals are considered potentially violent. The number includes members of organised groups such as the radical wing of the Alternative for Germany party and the Reichsbürger movement, which rejects the legitimacy of the modern German state. Intelligence officials have said that the far-right milieu is becoming more structured and covert, with increasing attempts to infiltrate security services.
The UK’s contribution of threat data follows a pattern of intelligence-sharing agreements. The Home Office in London stated that the exchange is part of a joint program addressing extremist trends across Europe. British intelligence has flagged similar concerns: the domestic threat from far-right extremism has grown, with the government raising its threat level from international terrorism to include far-right groups. The data shared includes patterns of online radicalisation and funding networks.
The report from the German agency comes amid heightened vigilance following a series of arrests of suspected far-right extremists. In June, German police detained members of a group planning to storm the Reichstag and install a nationalist government. The suspected ringleaders had military training and access to weapons. The agency’s assessment also warns of a growing overlap between far-right extremists and conspiracy theorists, particularly around anti-vaccination movements.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government has pledged to strengthen laws against hate speech and extremist symbols. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser has called for improved surveillance of far-right activities, noting that the threat requires a coordinated European response. The coalition government is also reviewing the powers of the intelligence agency to pre-empt attacks.
The UK’s participation in the data sharing was described by officials as a routine part of counter-terrorism cooperation. Both countries are signatories to the EU’s internal security pact despite Brexit, and have bilateral agreements on intelligence sharing. The Home Office said the data will inform risk assessments and help identify individuals seeking to travel between countries to commit acts of violence.
Critical voices question the efficacy of such measures. Civil liberties groups have warned that increased surveillance could alienate communities and violate privacy. They argue that the focus on far-right extremism should be matched with comprehensive deradicalisation programs. The German agency has defended its work, stating that proactive monitoring is essential given the radicalisation potential.
The near-60,000 figure is a conservative estimate, the agency said. The true number may be higher given unreported cases and the fluid nature of extremist networks. The intelligence community in both countries expects the cooperation to deepen, especially as far-right groups adopt sophisticated encrypted communications. The report did not specify a timeline for the next assessment but indicated that updates would be provided as the threat evolves.
This development comes as Europe grapples with a broader populist surge. The intelligence-sharing framework is intended to prevent attacks before they occur, although the balance between security and civil liberties remains a contentious issue. The UK’s involvement reinforces its commitment to European security despite political divisions.
