The short version
- MI6 scored highest in a peer review by intelligence professionals from twenty-five countries, surpassing France’s DGSE and the Netherlands.
- Reviewers highlighted the agency’s ability to maintain long-term sources and penetrate ruling elites in Russia, China, Iran, and Turkey.
- Former CIA officials acknowledged British leadership on Ukrainian intelligence matters, while noting the service’s global reach and operational capabilities.
A recent peer review conducted among Western allied intelligence professionals has identified the United Kingdom’s Secret Intelligence Service, commonly known as MI6, as the most powerful foreign intelligence agency in Europe. The assessment, carried out by French magazine L’Express, gathered evaluations from sixty experts representing twenty-five different nations. These participants rated their counterparts within western-allied countries, resulting in a ranking that places Britain at the top of the continent’s intelligence hierarchy.
The British agency achieved a score of 251 points in the research, significantly outpacing its nearest competitors. France’s General Directorate for External Security, or DGSE, secured second place with 169 points, recognized for its extensive global reach and operational capabilities. The Netherlands, Ukraine, and Germany rounded out the top five positions in the ranking. At the bottom of the list was Slovakia’s intelligence service, which received the lowest rating among those evaluated.
Reviewers commended MI6 for specific strategic strengths, particularly its expertise in recruiting high-level informants. The agency was noted for its success in penetrating the ruling elites of major adversarial states, including Russia, China, Iran, and Turkey. A former head of the French DGSE described the British approach as characterized by a willingness to play the long game. This strategy involves investing in human sources over a ten-year horizon, a method compared to Russian intelligence practices. The reviewer also noted that the British service possesses a taste for unconventional or aggressive tactics.
The assessment highlights MI6’s unique position within continental Europe. A Polish intelligence executive told L’Express that it is the only service on the continent with near-global reach. This distinction stems from its ability to combine technical collection methods with human intelligence and direct operational action capabilities. Such a multifaceted approach allows the agency to operate effectively across diverse geopolitical landscapes, maintaining influence and information gathering abilities far beyond its immediate geographic vicinity.
The review’s findings align with observations from former American intelligence officials regarding recent global events. Ralph Goff, a former chief of operations for Europe and Eurasia at the CIA, stated that British agencies are leading on matters related to Ukraine. He noted that American services are closely following their British counterparts in this domain. This leadership was evident when Britain was the first to warn Kyiv about the likelihood of the Russian invasion that commenced in February 2022. The UK has since remained a staunch ally of Ukraine, providing critical intelligence support throughout the conflict.
Robert Gorelick, a former CIA station chief, reinforced these sentiments by describing the United Kingdom’s secret services as the strongest in Europe. He characterized MI6 as extraordinary in its capabilities and effectiveness. These endorsements from American peers underscore the high regard in which British intelligence is held within the broader Western alliance. The consensus suggests that MI6’s methods and results have set a benchmark for other European agencies seeking to enhance their own operational effectiveness.
The leadership of MI6 has recently transitioned, with Blaise Metreweli becoming the first woman to lead the agency last year. She succeeded Sir Richard Moore in this role. This change in command occurs against a backdrop of heightened international scrutiny and increased demand for robust intelligence capabilities. The peer review reflects on the institutional strengths that have persisted despite leadership changes, suggesting a deep-rooted culture of strategic patience and operational excellence within the organization.
In contrast to MI6’s ranking, the French DGSE was highlighted for its prowess in counter-terrorism operations. The agency is renowned for clandestine actions aimed at eliminating individuals deemed threats to French security. Former French President François Hollande publicly discussed ordering at least forty operations to assassinate high-value targets in the Middle East and Africa, according to a 2017 book. While these capabilities earned respect, they did not translate into the top overall ranking in this specific peer review of foreign intelligence services.
The implications of this ranking extend beyond mere prestige. It signals a shift in perceived influence within European intelligence circles. As geopolitical tensions rise and adversaries adapt their strategies, the ability to maintain long-term sources and penetrate elite networks becomes increasingly valuable. MI6’s recognition as the top service suggests that its current strategies are viewed as particularly effective by peers who understand the complexities of modern espionage.
Looking ahead, the results of this review may influence how other European agencies structure their own operations. The emphasis on long-term investment in human intelligence and the integration of technical and operational capabilities could serve as a model for improvement. However, the dynamic nature of international relations means that rankings can shift rapidly. Continued adaptation and innovation will be necessary for all services to maintain their effectiveness in an evolving security landscape.
Sources behind this briefing
Go to the original reporting
- The Guardian World↗MI6 is top European foreign intelligence service, peer review finds
