# European intelligence agency peer rankings

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/european-intelligence-agency-peer-rankings
> Updated: 2026-08-09T01:00:46.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 3.

A study conducted by the French magazine L'Express has ranked the United Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Service (MI6) as the top intelligence agency in Europe. The assessment involved approximately 60 intelligence professionals, including current and former members of the CIA and Mossad, evaluating services across 21 European countries.

MI6 secured the highest score with 251 points, significantly outpacing the French DGSE, which placed second with 169 points. While the DGSE was recognized for its extensive international network, MI6 was noted for its proficiency in recruiting high-level informants and penetrating elite circles within Russia, China, Iran, and Turkey. Experts attributed this top position to its mastery of human intelligence (HUMINT) and its capacity to play the ‘long game’ by investing in human sources over decades.

The top five agencies identified in the ranking include the United Kingdom, France, the Netherlands, Ukraine, and Germany. Ukraine’s security service (SBU) has notably risen to fourth place, reflecting increased efficiency and importance due to Russian threats. Experts praised Ukraine’s ability to operate under wartime conditions, particularly regarding infrastructure attacks. The Dutch intelligence service was also highlighted for its specific expertise regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

Other findings included criticisms of the Italian intelligence service for issues such as corruption and nepotism, resulting in a 15th-place ranking. Additionally, while Germany ranked fifth, experts noted its difficulties regarding overseas agent recruitment. The report also highlights the critical role of intelligence sharing, noting that the United States provides Ukraine with coordinates for strikes against Russian military positions and energy infrastructure to maintain a tactical advantage.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-09: European intelligence services see shift as Ukraine's SBU rises in rankings

Ukraine's SBU has risen to fourth in a ranking of European intelligence services, while the US continues to provide Kyiv with vital intelligence for strikes against Russian infrastructure.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/european-intelligence-services-see-shift-as-ukraines-sbu-rises-in-rankings

### 2026-08-08: MI6 ranked as Europe’s most powerful intelligence service

A survey by L’Express ranks Britain’s MI6 as Europe’s leading intelligence service, praised for its elite human intelligence capabilities and long-term asset cultivation.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/mi6-ranked-as-europes-top-intelligence-agency-in-new-study

### 2026-08-04: MI6 Ranked Top European Intelligence Agency in Peer Review

MI6 topped a L’Express peer review of European intelligence services, scoring 251 points ahead of France’s DGSE and the Dutch AIVD, with experts citing its recruitment and Ukraine war expertise.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/uks-mi6-tops-european-intelligence-rankings-in-lexpress-review

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Cite as: European intelligence agency peer rankings. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/european-intelligence-agency-peer-rankings