Annual Report 2006

The AIVD annual report 2006 shows the large variety of work areas and fields of special interest of the General Intelligence and Security Service (AIVD). Investigations into terrorism and radicalisation were hereby one of the service’s main priorities in 2006. Of the different strategies for the fight against terror and radicalisation described by the AIVD, the repressive approach to terrorism has already proven to be the most successful.

Terror networks were identified and terrorists were prosecuted and convicted. However, radicalisation processes can rapidly take place. Within a short period of time networks of radical, young Muslims can change into terror cells. Effectively combating terrorism and radicalisation therefore demands not only repressive, but also preventative action. The Dutch Lower House has recently received an action plan against radicalisation. It was indicated in the recent coalition agreement that security is one of the government’s core tasks and one of the basic conditions of living in a society in which people feel safe, free, and united. The AIVD has a crucial part in this.

One of the core tasks of the AIVD is performing investigations in order to make unknown threats and risks visible. Within this context, the service studies, for example, the deeper origins of radicalisation. The AIVD has the knowledge and powers to conduct in-depth investigations into this subject. Sharing the results of the investigations into unknown threats and risks makes the core task of the AIVD effective. For example, in 2006 the service was more available than ever to the local authorities in order to share its expertise on radicalisation and to give advice on which effective governmental measures could be taken. I value the importance very much of bringing the AIVD’s perceptions to the attention of administrators, - from fellow ministers to town mayors, and from security areas to community-based organisations.

This broad-based cooperation elaborates on initiatives started in the development programme Prospect 2007. With this programme, the service acts upon recommendations of the Administrative Evaluation Committee for the AIVD, adopted by the government. As a result, in 2006 the service has grown in quality as well as in numbers. I am confident that the AIVD’s ability to take effective action will grow even further in 2007.

Dr. G. ter Horst

Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations