Annual Report 2007
The work of the AIVD is very wide-ranging and attracts notice from all sections of society. Its findings in 2007, especially the results of investigations into terrorism and radicalisation, have been extensively discussed by politicians, public administrators and the media.
Two reports in particular, The radical dawa in transition – the rise of Islamic neoradicalism in the Netherlands and Animal rights activism in the Netherlands – springboard for Europe, attracted wide interest. However, I would like to take the opportunity presented by the publication of this annual report to draw attention to another aspect of the service’s work which is seldom highlighted in its own right: the international orientation of the AIVD.
Developments at a global level have a huge impact upon all aspects of Dutch society. Those who take decisions on domestic matters cannot ignore what is happening abroad. Our national interests are increasingly being influenced by opportunities as well as threats from outside the sovereign territory of the Netherlands. This situation demands intensive cross-border co-operation and a strong international awareness in intelligence work. Fortunately, that is a challenge to which the AIVD is rising.
There is broad public support for the work carried out by the AIVD. In my view, that is essential given the exceptional powers enjoyed by the service and the special tasks with which it is entrusted. To retain that support, though, the people of the Netherlands must be confident that the AIVD is responding appropriately to changes in our society. The first chapter of this report shows that it is fully aware of how internationalisation is affecting its areas of work.
To me, this is a prime example of the service’s forward-looking approach. It certainly confirms my confidence that the AIVD is ready to continue pursuing its core task in 2008: notifying authorities and its partners of threats to national security which might not be properly identified otherwise.
Dr. G. ter Horst
Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations