Intelligence Effectiveness in the European Union (E.U.) in the New Security Environment
Abstract
This thesis assesses the effectiveness of the European Union's (EU) intelligence agencies, Europol and the Intelligence Analysis Center (INTCEN). The thesis examines the existing EU legal framework in the field of intelligence, the level of cooperation between these EU agencies, and the ways in which the European Parliament exercises its control over them. As a response to the increased level and diversity of threats against its security, the EU has undertaken major steps forward in fostering intelligence cooperation among its member states. Consequently, Europol's mandate was expanded to cover all serious crimes, and the organization was transformed into a full-fledged EU agency. Similarly, INTCEN was restructured to allow the agency to focus on both external and internal terrorist threats to the EU. Despite these steps, the effectiveness of the agencies is low, due to flaws in their legal framework, weak mandates, and complicated European affairs. Furthermore, the inherent challenges of multinational intelligence cooperation and weak democratic control of the European Parliament and national legislative bodies reduce Europol and INTCEN's abilities to effectively fulfill their tasks. Therefore, the thesis recommends that the EU improve its legal framework, provide real incentives for member states to cooperate with these bodies, and increase the democratic control of intelligence agencies. These steps will enhance Europol and INTCEN's mandates, make them more transparent, and increase their effectiveness.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA573500
Entities
People
- Constantin-marian Birsan
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School