Europe - and thus the EU - is currently facing its most critical security policy situation to date. Once again, Germany is becoming a key factor for the continued existence of the Union as we know it. Yet, Germany seems to be defenseless. For decades, a misunderstood partnership with the USA has led to comprehensive control and surveillance of Europe, and especially Germany. At the forefront are American intelligence agencies and their informants. Particularly striking is the role that the BND played behind the scenes. We owe this and many other explosive revelations to the disclosures of American whistleblower Edward Snowden. The implications for German politics and the economy are highly concerning. Even the relatively "friendly" proceedings of the NSA inquiry committee in the Bundestag cannot disguise this.