Greater Powers to the Secret Services: The New Face of National Security

With the approval of Article 31 of the Security bill by the Senate's Constitutional Affairs and Justice committees, the Italian government takes an important step towards strengthening the secret services. A long-awaited measure, aimed at making the country more resilient against the threats of terrorism, organized crime, and new global risks. The text, promoted by the executive led by Giorgia Meloni, amends the 2007 law regulating the secret services, enhancing their powers and establishing mandatory collaboration between public administrations, publicly owned companies, universities, and research institutions. The goal is clear: to build an efficient and widespread protection network capable of responding promptly to emergency situations and preventing threats to national security.

A Synergistic Collaboration Between Institutions and Secret Services

The new regulation obliges public administrations and controlled companies to collaborate with the DIS, the AISE and the AISI, providing information and technical and logistical assistance, even overriding confidentiality regulations. A choice aimed at overcoming bureaucratic constraints that, in the past, could hinder intelligence activities, making it more difficult to intervene in time to prevent crimes and attacks. The possibility of entering into agreements with research institutions and universities further strengthens this cooperation, laying the foundations for a modern and integrated defense system, capable of leveraging the country's scientific and technological expertise. It's not just about data collection, but a collective commitment to national security, where every actor, public or private, plays a leading role.

Special Operations: Clear Rules to Face the Most Serious Threats

Article 31 also stabilizes the so-called “exculpatory conduct,” successfully tested since 2015. Security information service agents may be authorized to carry out actions that, under normal conditions, would be considered crimes. We are talking about infiltrations into subversive associations, terrorist groups, and armed gangs, up to the leadership of such organizations, when necessary to unmask and neutralize them from within. A practice used by major Western democracies to ensure national security. The regulation also provides for the possibility for agents to hold sensitive materials and to carry out actions aimed at countering international terrorism or preventing crimes against humanity. It is a measure that strengthens the operational capacity of the services, allowing them to act in complex contexts without the risk of being limited by regulatory gaps.

Transparency and Democratic Control: Constitutional Guarantees

Despite the expansion of powers granted to the secret services, democratic control remains firm. The COPASIR will continue to oversee the activities of the DIS, AISE, and AISI, ensuring that every activity is carried out in compliance with laws and constitutional principles. The government and the majority have reiterated that this is a necessary reform to protect the country from concrete and current threats, and that the balance between security and individual rights will always be maintained. As stated by Senator Maurizio Gasparri, "Italy needs these tools to defend itself in an increasingly insidious world." The final approval of Article 31 will open a new phase for Italian intelligence, making it stronger, more reactive, and effective, without ever giving up the principles of democracy and freedom.