Development of regional legal frameworks for intelligence and information sharing in the eu and asean

Abstract

This paper studies the development of the institutional frameworks for cooperation in the fight against terrorism in two regional organisations: the European Union and the Association of South East Asian Nations. In particular, it will analyse the mechanism of intelligence and information sharing developed at the regional level. First, it will assess the different approaches and the mechanisms existing within the two regions and highlight obstacles to such sharing: the willingness and ability of Member States. Then, it will assess how these mechanisms fare in terms of human rights. The lack of real protection of personal data constitutes a serious concern in connection with these mechanisms of information sharing. Thus, the paper demonstrates that Member States have started a global rush for information. Yet there are still many challenges to overcome to improve the mechanisms of intelligence and information sharing themselves and to better protect human rights in doing so.