MI6 Tops Ranking of European Spy Agencies, Greece Valued for Turkey Expertise
According to a survey conducted by French magazine L’Express, Britain’s MI6 has been ranked as the most powerful intelligence agency in Europe, significantly ahead of its competitors, including France’s DGSE and the Dutch intelligence services. The survey, which took three months to complete, involved interviews with approximately 100 professionals in the intelligence field, including former heads of secret services and representatives from the CIA and Mossad. This initiative aimed to explore the covert operations that constitute what L’Express describes as the "invisible war" among European intelligence agencies.
MI6 secured first place with a total of 251 points, reinforcing its reputation as a leading intelligence service. Robert Grenier, a former CIA station chief, remarked on the agency's exceptional capabilities, particularly its long-term investment in high-level sources. European intelligence professionals credit MI6 with extensive networks that penetrate the power structures of Russia, China, Turkey, and Iran. Notable cases include the recruitment of Alireza Akbari, a former Iranian deputy defense minister, and allegations of MI6's involvement in recruiting a Chinese couple in the civil service.
The British agency's reputation was further solidified by its early warnings regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with MI6 collaborating with the CIA to inform partners about Moscow's military preparations as early as autumn 2021. Ralph Goff, a former head of CIA operations for Europe and Eurasia, noted that the UK has taken a leading role in supporting Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict.
France’s DGSE came in second with 169 points, recognized for its global reach and its combination of technical data collection and human intelligence. The DGSE’s Action Division is noted for its capability to discreetly neutralize targets abroad. Gina Bennett, a former CIA counterterrorism analyst, highlighted the DGSE's strength in human intelligence, particularly in counterterrorism and operations in Africa.
The Dutch intelligence services, comprising the AIVD and MIVD, ranked third with 97 points. Participants praised their performance relative to available resources, citing significant covert operations, including the installation of the Stuxnet virus and the infiltration of Russian hacking groups. The AIVD has also played a crucial role in European counterterrorism efforts.
Ukraine's intelligence services surprised many by finishing fourth with 77 points, showcasing their innovative approaches and willingness to undertake high-risk operations. Their activities have included sabotage operations and targeted strikes against Russian officials, although concerns about potential Russian infiltration within their ranks persist.
Germany’s Federal Intelligence Service (BND) rounded out the top five with 62 points, recognized for its analytical capabilities but criticized for its limited operational effectiveness. Observers noted that a significant majority of terrorism-related warnings in Germany originate from the CIA rather than the BND.
Greece, while not scoring any points in the survey, remains a valued partner in intelligence matters concerning Turkey due to its geographical proximity and expertise. Other countries like Ireland and Luxembourg also received no points but are considered useful for financial investigations. In contrast, Hungary and Bulgaria face scrutiny for their intelligence operations, while Slovakia is viewed as the weakest link in European intelligence, plagued by allegations of incompetence and nepotism.
