INTELLIGENCE AND SECURITY SERVICES IN THE 21ST CENTURY SECURITY ENVIRONMENT
Mr. Presidential Advisor, IOAN TALPES, Mr. Ambassador of Luxemburg, FERNAND KARTHEISER, Honorable members of the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies, Ladies and gentlemen,
At the beginning of the 21st century, the fast-track integration, interdependence and communication processes usually defined in one word – globalization - appeared to be the major challenge facing the intelligence and security services, and the nations in general. On this complex background, which perhaps was also one of their main causes, the dramatic terrorist attacks of September 11th 2001 took place. One may say that, together, globalization and international terrorism have prompted the reassessment of the security concepts, the rethinking and widening of the prerogatives of intelligence services, but also more opportunities to enhance their efficiency through complementary, shared performance standards. Subsequently, important changes have been wrought in the intelligence and security services' activity, as follows: - strengthening of the departments specializing in fight against asymmetrical threats; - revalorization of HUMINT; - allocation of increased funds to the intelligence structures; - deeper bi and multilateral cooperation of the intelligence services from democratic states; - strengthening of the analysis departments. Especially for the intelligence services in Romania, September 11th – now a critical reference point – has developed two overlapping concerns: - potentiating the response capabilities in the face of new risks and threats; - completing the reform and modernization launched earlier in the previous decade, following the irreversible Euro-Atlantic integration option. I. The redefinition of the role of intelligence services in all the democratic states, on an international backdrop stamped by unprecedented asymmetrical threats, has imposed a reconsideration of the SIE missions, for strengthening its action capability. In this context, the commitments to partnership with similar services from Euro-Atlantic states and the SIE contribution to Romania's efforts at joining NATO have imposed the drafting of a new strategy and a new organizational chart. More resources have gone to developing and dynamizing the anti-terrorist and anti-organized crime operations, for which end two distinct specialized departments have been established. The Service's contribution to the anti-terrorist campaign has consisted of: - steady intelligence sharing with similar foreign services and, nationwide, with the SRI and the Ministry of the Interior; - frequent meetings focused on specific cases and topics; - targeted and qualified participation in operations aimed at combating suchlike threats; - impetus given to the regional initiatives and activities aimed at fighting terrorism and organized crime; - active contribution to the implementation of the relevant resolutions that the UN General Assembly adopted after September 11th. II. The reform of the Service and the modernization of the work methods seek to substantively increase its performance, harmonize the goals and specific procedures at both the general management level and that of specialized directorates, and also to improve the recruitment base, vetting and training of the personnel. This reform process is not an arithmetic sum of individual experiences, it also aims at adjusting the institution to the risk factors identified externally, the required performance standards and – which is very important – the resources available. Although we do not enjoy resources similar to those of some Euro-Atlantic services with established traditions, we strive to develop as a complementary institution, sharing the same security interests and vision. Our services have the same perception of the security agenda, they are equally motivated by performance, competitiveness and flexibility in coping with new threats and challenges. Moreover, the SIE has been faced with an additional important challenge: reaching interoperability point with the similar structures within the NATO. Taking into account all these efforts, I feel justified to speak now of a series of accumulations that define and even single out an SIE acquis that could be summed up as follows: - The Service operates on the basis of a new vision, namely that Romania belongs to a Euro-Atlantic security format, and considers itself an integrated component thereof. Consequently, we view the NATO security as our own security. Any challenge and threat to the Allies is seen as a challenge to ourselves. - The SIE can bring an added value to the Alliance, in point of security, thanks to efficiency, competence and capabilities already tested in joint action with the Euro-Atlantic partner services. I feel essentially bound to remark that the whole of the SIE has undergone a radical change of mentality, from isolationism to joint action against global threats. To consolidate this acquis, we think there still remain important challenges that SIE must find an answer to, now and in the longer term: - better intelligence collection, to allow for decision-makers to anticipate developments that are relevant for the national security; - completion of the organizational and personnel reform, drawing and adoption of the SIE personnel’s own statute. Development of a modern organizational culture, likely to potentiate a stimulating, high-performance work climate; - projecting a correct image of the SIE with the civil society, the citizens and the media. Striking an appropriate balance between the principle of transparence and the confidential character of our specific job. In order to restore and consolidate the relations with the citizens, we have established departments whose mission is to handle the communication with the civil society, the media and the public authorities, in full compliance with the democratic principle of transparence. We see all these endeavors as part of the SIE contribution to developing a national culture of security, thanks to which the public opinion may get a truthful, fair perception of the importance of intelligence services’ activity in a democratic society. Although not depending on the SIE, mentioned here should be some sine qua non conditions for the fulfillment of the above objectives, such as the necessary additions and adjustment of the laws governing the Service’s activity and the appropriate sizing of budget allowances. * The irreversible Euro-Atlantic integration processes and the redefined security agenda for the 21st century have broken ground for the organization of meetings like the one we attend now, which, several years back, would hardly have been conceived. In my view, such apertures render possible several self-conditioning steps: - surmounting the predominantly competitive, individualistic approach to the activity of intelligence and security services, by developing regional and international cooperation. This presupposes a transfer of know-how and expertise among our services, going as far as the establishment of joint operational forces to cope with new risks, in order to strengthen the preemptive character, the speed and flexibility of the special services’ response; - establishing a partnership for security at both the national and international level, which should involve, alongside the services, the democratic oversight bodies thereof as well as important segments of society such as academic circles, NGOs and, why not, the media; - starting a standardization and compatibilization process in point of the practice and equipment, which may go – if I am allowed to anticipate – as far as defining a specific acquis of the intelligence services. Obviously, such an approach could focus first on areas like: - fighting terrorism, organized crime and trafficking of all sorts; - preventing and cohesively managing the crises; - joint management and security of some databases and communication systems; - human resources management and more efficient personnel protection. As a natural sequel to such steps, in a not so distant future I think we could initiate a reflection on an idea which may still seem too bold now: standardization of the norms, rules and even laws that govern the activity of intelligence services in the common democratic space to which we all belong. In conclusion, allow me to voice my belief that at the end of this seminar – which we all wish to be as informal as possible – we will sum up with pleasure many more bold (unconventional, original) ideas, exceeding the most optimistic expectations and bringing to the fore new reflection points for the future.
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