MI6 ranks as the most powerful foreign intelligence service in Europe, according to a peer review published by French magazine L’Express. The British agency secured 251 points in the research, outperforming continental counterparts through its expertise in recruiting high-level informants and penetrating ruling elites in Russia, China, Iran, and Turkey.
How European Intelligence Agencies Were Ranked
The assessment was conducted by 60 professionals from 25 countries who contacted people in state intelligence services to rate counterparts across western-allied nations. France’s General Directorate for External Security (DGSE) placed second with 169 points, recognized for global reach and operational capability according to the Times. The Netherlands, Ukraine, and Germany completed the top five spots, while Slovakia’s service received the lowest rating in the survey.
Did you know? Last year, Blaise Metreweli became the first woman to lead MI6, taking over the role from Sir Richard Moore.
Operational Reach and Long-Term Strategy
Ralph Goff, a former chief of operations for Europe and Eurasia at the CIA, told L’Express that the British lead the Ukrainian file, noting that American intelligence operates right behind them. Robert Gorelick, a former CIA station chief, added that the United Kingdom possesses by far the strongest secret services in Europe, calling MI6 extraordinary.
Britain established its position early by being the first to warn Ukraine about the likelihood of the Russian invasion that began in February 2022. A former head of the DGSE noted that British services maintain the ability to play the long game by investing in sources over a ten-year horizon, similar to Russian methods, alongside a distinct capability for unconventional operations.
Comparative Strengths: France, Britain, and Continental Allies
While MI6 leads in human intelligence recruitment and elite penetration, continental agencies hold distinct specializations. The French DGSE, famously depicted in the television series The Bureau, earned high marks as one of the world’s best services in counter-terrorism. The service is renowned for clandestine operations to eliminate individuals deemed a threat to French security. Former French president François Hollande spoke publicly about ordering at least forty operations to assassinate high-value targets in the Middle East and Africa, according to a 2017 book.
A Polish intelligence executive told L’Express that the DGSE stands as the only service in continental Europe with near-global reach, combining technical collection, human intelligence, and operational action capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which intelligence service was ranked as the most powerful in Europe?
MI6 of the United Kingdom was ranked as the most powerful foreign intelligence service in Europe, scoring 251 points in a peer review by L’Express.
Who conducts foreign intelligence peer reviews?
The review was conducted by French magazine L’Express, which gathered ratings from 60 professionals across 25 countries working within state intelligence services.
Where did France place in the intelligence rankings?
France’s General Directorate for External Security (DGSE) finished in second place with 169 points.
Which countries rounded out the top five intelligence services?
The Netherlands, Ukraine, and Germany completed the top five alongside the UK and France.
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