Verhofstadt calls for creation of EU intelligence agency

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in Paris on 13 November 2015, the leader of the Liberals in the European Parliament called for the creation of an EU intelligence agency.

At a debate in Brussels on 18 November 2015, the Belgian politician focussed on the situation in Syria and the fact that France had broken new ground by activating article 42.7 of the Lisbon Treaty.

Previous calls for a European structure to be created beyond an increased cooperation between national agencies had so far resulted in no concrete proposal from the European Union.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: No plan for EU spy agency after Paris attacks http://www.europeansources.info/record/no-plan-for-eu-spy-agency-after-paris-attacks/

ESO: Background information: Explainer: does the EU need its own intelligence agency? http://www.europeansources.info/record/explainer-does-the-eu-need-its-own-intelligence-agency/

EurActiv, 20.11.15: [Opinion] The position of a powerful EU spy chief is long overdue http://www.euractiv.com/sections/justice-home-affairs/position-powerful-eu-spy-chief-long-overdue-319668

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