Fighting Shadows: Why Europe Must Unite Against Russian Espionage

The need for a united European counter-espionage agency to defend democracy and protect our continent from clandestine threats has never been more urgent.

A Tradition of Espionage and Interference

Russia’s aggressive push to rebuild its espionage networks in Europe, as highlighted in Jamie Dettmer’s recent article, is not an isolated event but rather the continuation of a long-standing tradition of Russian interference, espionage, and even assassination campaigns against the continent. This pattern of behavior can be traced back to the Soviet era, with the GRU – Russia’s military intelligence agency – taking center stage in numerous operations throughout European history.

In a more recent example, the GRU played a key role in the infamous Skripal poisoning in 2018, when former Russian military officer and double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia were targeted with a nerve agent in Salisbury, United Kingdom. The incident led to a major diplomatic crisis and the expulsion of numerous Russian diplomats from various European countries. The Skripal case is but one example of Russia’s brazen acts of aggression on European soil, carried out under the guise of diplomatic missions and covert operations.

These espionage activities are not limited to targeted assassinations; they also encompass efforts to infiltrate European infrastructure, gather intelligence on Western military capabilities, and recruit local agents to further Russia’s goals. Recent arrests of Russian agents and moles across Europe, including in Bulgaria, Slovakia, and Albania, underscore the Kremlin’s persistent efforts to infiltrate European societies and institutions.

Given this historical context and the ongoing threat posed by Russian intelligence agencies, it is imperative that Europe takes decisive action to counteract these activities. One solution is the establishment of a European-level counter-espionage agency, operating under the direct authority of the EU Commission and accountable to the European Parliament. This agency would have the mandate, resources, and expertise necessary to effectively combat Russia’s espionage efforts and protect Europe’s democratic values and institutions.

The creation of such an agency would not only provide a robust and unified response to Russian interference but also strengthen Europe’s collective security, promote intelligence sharing among member states, and reaffirm the continent’s commitment to safeguarding its democratic principles. The time has come for Europe to unite in the face of Russia’s continued aggression and send a clear message that its democratic institutions will not be undermined.

The Geopolitical Implications of Russian Espionage

The resurgence of Russian espionage in Europe should be viewed within the broader context of global power dynamics, particularly the ongoing competition between liberal democracies and authoritarian regimes. As Russia seeks to expand its influence and undermine the West, it employs a range of tactics, including espionage, disinformation campaigns, and cyber warfare, all aimed at destabilizing its adversaries and furthering its geopolitical objectives.

Historically, Russia has pursued a strategy of dividing and conquering, exploiting weaknesses in the Western alliance to sow discord and exacerbate existing tensions. By targeting critical infrastructure, military installations, and even opposition groups in European countries, Russia aims to disrupt the functioning of these societies and undermine trust in democratic institutions.

The rise of Eastern totalitarianism poses a significant threat to the values and principles that underpin the liberal world order.

Furthermore, Russia’s espionage activities reflect its ambitions to reassert itself as a global power, pushing back against the post-Cold War world order dominated by the United States and its European allies. This resurgence comes as China, another authoritarian regime, continues to expand its global reach, challenging the supremacy of Western liberal democracies.

In this context, the rise of Eastern totalitarianism poses a significant threat to the values and principles that underpin the liberal world order. It is therefore essential for Europe to recognize the geopolitical implications of Russian espionage and take decisive action to defend its democratic foundations. Establishing a European-level counter-espionage agency would be a crucial step in this direction, signaling Europe’s commitment to safeguarding its interests and values against external threats.

At the same time, Europe must also engage in a comprehensive reassessment of its security strategy, acknowledging the complex and evolving nature of the challenges posed by authoritarian adversaries. This includes fostering closer cooperation with traditional Western allies like the United States, the United Kingdom, and NATO, as well as promoting dialogue and collaboration among European nations on intelligence sharing, cyber defense, and counter-terrorism.

In doing so, Europe can better understand and respond to the multifaceted challenges posed by Russia and other authoritarian regimes, thereby reinforcing its position as a force for good in the world and a bulwark against the erosion of democratic values.

Building a European-level Counter-Espionage Agency

The establishment of a European-level counter-espionage agency is a crucial step in addressing the multifaceted challenges posed by Russian espionage. By pooling resources, expertise, and intelligence from across the continent, such an agency would be better equipped to detect, disrupt, and deter Russia’s intelligence operations. Some of the key components necessary for creating an effective and efficient European counter-espionage organization include:

1. Clear mandate and authority: A European counter-espionage agency must have a well-defined mandate and the necessary authority to carry out its mission. This includes the power to coordinate and share intelligence among member states, conduct investigations, and take decisive action to counter threats posed by foreign espionage.
2. Adequate resources: To effectively combat Russian espionage, the agency will require sufficient funding and resources. This includes investing in cutting-edge technology, cybersecurity, and other counterintelligence capabilities that will enable the agency to stay ahead of Russia’s evolving tactics and methods.
3. Centralized coordination: A European counter-espionage agency should serve as a central hub for coordinating and streamlining counterintelligence efforts across the continent. This would help to ensure that member states are working in tandem, sharing information, and leveraging collective expertise to counter Russian espionage more effectively.
4. Training and expertise: Developing a highly skilled and specialized workforce is essential for any counter-espionage agency. This will require ongoing investment in training and education programs to ensure that personnel are equipped with the latest knowledge, techniques, and tools to combat Russian espionage.
5. Accountability and oversight: To ensure transparency and maintain public trust, a European counter-espionage agency must be subject to robust oversight mechanisms. This includes regular reporting to the EU Commission and accountability to the European Parliament, helping to ensure that the agency operates within the bounds of the law and in the best interests of European citizens.
6. International cooperation: While a European counter-espionage agency will primarily focus on the threats posed by Russia, it should also maintain strong ties with other intelligence partners, such as the US, UK, and NATO. By fostering international cooperation and intelligence sharing, the agency can benefit from a broader pool of expertise and resources, further enhancing its ability to counter espionage threats.

By implementing these key components, Europe can lay the foundation for a robust and effective counter-espionage agency, ensuring that it is well-equipped to confront the challenges posed by Russian intelligence operations and protect the democratic values that underpin European society.

A Call to Action: Strengthening European Unity and Resilience

The need for a European-level counter-espionage agency is both urgent and paramount. As Russian espionage continues to threaten European democracy, security, and values, the time has come for a decisive and united response.

As Russian espionage continues to threaten European democracy, security, and values, the time has come for a decisive and united response.

The following call to action outlines the steps that must be taken to ensure the success of a European counter-espionage effort and build a more secure, resilient future for the continent.

1. Forge a united front: Europe must come together and demonstrate a united front against Russian espionage. This means acknowledging the shared threat posed by Russian intelligence operations and committing to collective action, with each member state playing a role in the establishment and support of a European counter-espionage agency.
2. Foster public awareness: European citizens must be made aware of the threats posed by Russian espionage and the importance of a European counter-espionage effort. This can be achieved through public education campaigns, media engagement, and collaboration with civil society organizations to raise awareness and foster resilience against foreign interference.
3. Engage the private sector: The private sector has a crucial role to play in combating Russian espionage, particularly in the realm of cybersecurity. By forging partnerships with industry leaders and technology companies, the European counter-espionage agency can leverage cutting-edge solutions and expertise to protect critical infrastructure and stay ahead of emerging threats.
4. Strengthen legal frameworks: To effectively counter Russian espionage, European nations must ensure that their legal frameworks are equipped to address espionage-related crimes. This may require the revision or enactment of legislation that empowers law enforcement and intelligence agencies to investigate, disrupt, and prosecute acts of espionage.
5. Encourage political will and leadership: The establishment of a European counter-espionage agency will require strong political will and leadership from European policymakers. This includes garnering support from national governments, the European Parliament, and the EU Commission, as well as fostering a sense of urgency and commitment to the cause.
6. Learn from the past: Europe must draw on the lessons of history, recognizing the long-standing tradition of Russian espionage and its potential impact on the continent. By examining past intelligence operations and learning from both successes and failures, Europe can develop a more effective and comprehensive strategy to counter the threats posed by Russian intelligence agencies.

The establishment of a European-level counter-espionage agency is an essential step towards safeguarding European democracy, security, and values.

By taking decisive action and working together, Europe can build a more resilient future and send a powerful message to Russia and other adversaries: interference in European affairs will not be tolerated, and the principles of liberal democracy will be vigorously defended.