European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS) Raises Alarm Over Outsourcing of European Football Championship Security to Non-EU Private Intelligence Services

European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS) Raises Alarm Over Outsourcing of European Football Championship Security to Non-EU Private Intelligence Services

Brussels, 13th June 2024 – The European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS) has issued a stark warning regarding the reported outsourcing of security services for the European Football Championship to private intelligence services located outside the European Union. This decision, if confirmed, poses significant legal and security risks that demand immediate scrutiny and corrective action.

National Security Concerns

The ECIPS emphasizes that outsourcing critical security operations to entities outside the European Union potentially breaches Article 4(2) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU). This article stipulates that national security remains the sole responsibility of each Member State. By transferring security responsibilities, particularly those affecting countries like Germany, to non-EU entities, Member States might be compromising their national security.

Data Protection Risks

A major point of contention is the compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). The involvement of non-EU private intelligence services could lead to the processing of personal data without the necessary safeguards, directly violating Articles 44-50 of the GDPR. This exposes sensitive personal data to jurisdictions that may not meet the stringent data protection standards required by EU law, thereby endangering individual privacy rights.

Lack of Parliamentary Oversight

The ECIPS highlights that Article 14 of the Treaty on European Union assigns the European Parliament the role of democratic oversight over EU institutions and activities. The decision to outsource security services for a major event like the European Football Championship without consulting or obtaining approval from the European Parliament undermines this oversight, violating principles of transparency and accountability.

Contravention of the Services Directive

Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the internal market mandates that services provided within the EU adhere to its rules and regulations to ensure a high level of security and protection for citizens. Outsourcing to non-EU entities circumvents these regulations, potentially compromising the safety and security of the event.

Public Procurement Violations

The procurement of security services must comply with Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement, which ensures transparency, competition, and equal treatment in public contracting. Awarding security contracts to non-EU entities without adhering to these principles could constitute a breach of EU public procurement laws.

Call to Action

Given the severe implications of these potential legal violations, the ECIPS urgently calls on relevant authorities to:

Conduct a Thorough Investigation: Examine the decision-making process behind the outsourcing of security services.

Assess Legal Compliance: Ensure that the outsourcing decision aligns with EU laws and national security provisions.

Adhere to EU Legal Standards: Guarantee that future security service decisions respect EU regulations and Member State sovereignty.

The ECIPS also requests a formal response detailing the measures being taken to address these concerns and ensure compliance with EU and national laws. Additionally, the organization advocates for heightened transparency and oversight in the security service contracting process to prevent similar issues in the future.

The European Centre for Information Policy and Security stands firm in its commitment to safeguarding European security interests and upholding the rule of law. The reported outsourcing of security services for the European Football Championship to non-EU entities raises profound concerns that must be promptly and thoroughly addressed.

For further information, please contact: contact@ecips.eu

References:

Treaty on European Union (TEU), Article 4(2), Article 14.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Articles 44-50.

Directive 2006/123/EC on services in the internal market.

Directive 2014/24/EU on public procurement.

About ECIPS

The European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS) federal approved agency by Royal Decree WL22/16.594 is dedicated to promoting the highest standards of security policy and ensuring the protection of European citizens' rights and freedoms. Through rigorous analysis and advocacy, ECIPS works to uphold the rule of law and enhance security measures across Europe.

Contact:

European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS)
WWW.ECIPS.EU

END OF PRESS RELEASE

This press release aims to inform the public and relevant stakeholders of the serious implications of outsourcing security services to non-EU entities, urging immediate action to protect national security, data privacy, and the integrity of EU regulations.