The Council of the European Union has declined to answer a parliamentary question from Özlem Demirel (The Left) regarding the EU intelligence-based police operation 'B@lltring', stating that the requested information is not available to the Council. The question, submitted on 3 February 2026, sought details on participating national police authorities, data collection and sharing via the 'B-Insight' instrument, and the role of intelligence services in the operation.
Demirel's question focused on the joint EU police operation led by France, which aims to combat organised crime related to irregular migration by targeting dark web networks, encrypted communications, and data transmission protocols. The operation employs a multidisciplinary approach involving judicial cooperation, intelligence sharing, and pursuit of 'high-priority targets'. Key elements include sharing situational pictures, expertise, and the use of the new 'B-Insight' analysis and exchange instruments.
The Council's refusal to provide information raises concerns about transparency and parliamentary oversight of EU security operations. The response does not clarify whether the information is classified, not held by the Council, or otherwise unavailable. This lack of detail may fuel debates about the balance between security and accountability in EU policing initiatives.
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