Club de Berne

The Bernese Club (also known as Club de Berne ) consists of the heads of the domestic intelligence services of its member countries ( 28 EU countries, Norway and Switzerland ). It was founded in 1971 and is in secret. In the years 1978 and 1979, the club received a special importance in connection with the intelligence actions against the German Red Army Faction (RAF ) and the Italian Red Brigades. At this time belonged to the club next to the Switzerland of the German Constitutional Protection, Austria, Italy and intelligence services of France.

Since the terrorist attacks on 11 September 2001, the Club has received an increased importance as a forum for political consultation between intelligence and state security services. From the association of the Alpine region, an international club has become, all members of the European Union belong to and probably Norway. What the club actually does, who presents the way, who runs the business and on what legal basis the club operates is unknown. This also applies to the Swiss representation in the club: Who or which institution participates in it and who bears the costs, is not disclosed by political leaders.

There is no secretariat. It also be passed no resolutions, but the club is much more to the free exchange of views on the tasks and knowledge of the respective intelligence services.

The meetings are held twice a year and are in turn prepared. The main criticism is the possible exchange of data without any political control. Switzerland was a founding member.