In the fight against terrorism, national agencies keep full control over their police forces, security and intelligence agencies and judicial authorities.

The quote by Gijs de Vries emphasizes the importance of maintaining national control over the various key elements involved in combating terrorism. De Vries, a former European Union counterterrorism coordinator, is asserting that in the effort to address terrorism, individual national agencies should retain authority over their police forces, security, intelligence agencies, and judicial authorities. This highlights the need for governments to have the autonomy and flexibility to handle internal security matters without external interference.

By emphasizing control, de Vries underscores the idea that countries must have the freedom to make independent decisions when it comes to managing their national security. In the fight against terrorism, this control is seen as crucial for responding quickly and effectively to potential threats. It ensures that each country can implement tailored strategies based on its specific threats and legal frameworks without being bound by external limitations or constraints that might not align with their national interests.

The mention of police forces, security agencies, and intelligence agencies reflects the integrated nature of counterterrorism efforts. These different branches of national security play a vital role in detecting, preventing, and responding to terrorist threats. By maintaining control over these entities, countries are better equipped to coordinate their efforts, share intelligence, and ensure that their actions are consistent with their laws and values.

Ultimately, de Vries’ quote emphasizes the balance between national sovereignty and international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. While collaboration between nations is important, the ability to retain control over internal security mechanisms ensures that each country can effectively protect its citizens and address threats according to its own needs and capabilities.