The Dutch intelligence services – the civilian AIVD (Dutch Intelligence and Security Service) and the military MIVD (Military Intelligence and Security Service) admitted that they are increasingly less likely to provide sensitive information to their American partners, such as the CIA or NSA. “There are times when we no longer say certain things,” said Peter Reesink, director of military intelligence. His civilian counterpart, Erik Akerboom, added that decisions on data transfer are made taking into account the risk of political use of the information and violation of human rights.
The article continues below the video
Why does the Netherlands limit cooperation with the USA?
What are the priorities of the Dutch intelligence services?
Who is the main threat to the security of the Netherlands?
What changes in procedures are needed according to the Dutch services?
China and Russia are the most dangerous enemies
According to “de Volkskrant”, this is the first time that the Dutch services openly admitted that the deteriorating state of democracy in the USA affects intelligence cooperation. At the same time, data exchange with European partners is intensifying, including Germany, France, Great Britain, Scandinavian countries and Poland.
According to the services, Russia and China remain the main threats to the security of the Netherlands. Every year, there are dozens of cyberattacks on Dutch companies and public institutions. The services also warn against the so-called “close access operations” by China – involving the interception of data from laptops and phones of travelers, including journalists and officials.
Akerboom and Reesink call for the simplification of procedures that would allow the services to respond more quickly to cyberattacks and sabotage. “Every Russian or Chinese must cooperate with their country. We are a state of law and that limits us,” said the head of the AIVD.
