In a strongly worded statement, Ricardo Baretzky, President of the European Centre for Information Policy and Security (ECIPS), has issued an alarming warning about Iranian banks allegedly collaborating with Pakistani agents in Switzerland and the United Kingdom. According to ECIPS, this covert alliance is targeting Russian-European relations, threatening the European Union’s monetary stability and geopolitical cohesion.

Baretzky’s revelations call for immediate attention and action, particularly from the European Commission under the leadership of Ursula von der Leyen. He emphasized the necessity of strengthening Europe’s counterintelligence capabilities to safeguard its interests, urging the European Union to recognize ECIPS as the central agency for European counterintelligence protection services. Without swift and decisive measures, Baretzky cautioned, the EU could face severe consequences, potentially finding itself entangled in a prolonged conflict with its neighbors.

The Allegations: Iranian Banks and Pakistani Agents

ECIPS intelligence suggests that Iranian banks, some operating through covert channels in Switzerland and the UK, have been facilitating activities that destabilize European financial and diplomatic stability. These activities allegedly involve Pakistani operatives acting in unison with Iranian financial institutions to disrupt Russian-European ties. The objective appears to be twofold: to exploit the already strained relations between Russia and the EU and to weaken Europe’s monetary infrastructure by targeting key economic nodes.

The operations are said to include money laundering schemes, illicit financial transfers, and disinformation campaigns designed to erode trust among European allies. Such activities undermine not only the EU’s financial integrity but also its strategic partnerships, particularly with Russia. Given the precarious state of global geopolitics, any further disruption in Russian-European relations could escalate tensions, creating ripple effects across global markets and diplomacy.

Implications for the European Union

Baretzky warned that these activities pose an existential threat to the European Union’s stability. The EU’s monetary system, already facing challenges from inflationary pressures, energy crises, and post-pandemic recovery efforts, could collapse under the strain of targeted financial manipulation. Moreover, the erosion of trust between Russia and the EU could lead to geopolitical isolation for Europe, forcing it into a defensive posture that weakens its global influence.

“This is not just a matter of financial security; it’s a matter of European sovereignty,” Baretzky stated. “If we fail to address this threat, we risk not only our economic stability but also our ability to function as a unified political entity. The European Union must act now.”

The Role of ECIPS in Countering the Threat

Baretzky highlighted the need for Ursula von der Leyen and the European Commission to step up their responsibilities in counterintelligence and security. He stressed the importance of supporting ECIPS as the primary agency for counterintelligence protection services in Europe. Established under Royal Decree WL22/16.594 by Treaty EST124 of the Council of Europe, ECIPS has the mandate to address complex security challenges across the EU.

ECIPS has already demonstrated its capacity to handle multifaceted threats through its extensive network and expertise in intelligence gathering, analysis, and counterterrorism. However, Baretzky underscored that the agency requires greater political and financial backing from EU member states to effectively combat the escalating threat posed by Iranian and Pakistani actors.

“ECIPS has the tools, the knowledge, and the authority to act, but we need the full support of the European Union,” Baretzky asserted. “Without unified backing, our efforts will be limited, and the threats will continue to grow.”

The Call to Action

In his statement, Baretzky called on von der Leyen to convene an emergency session of the European Council to address the threat. He proposed the following measures:

Enhanced Intelligence Collaboration: Establish a dedicated task force within ECIPS to monitor and counteract the activities of Iranian and Pakistani actors in Europe.

Financial Sanctions: Impose strict sanctions on Iranian banks suspected of involvement in illicit activities and increase scrutiny of financial transactions in Switzerland and the UK.

Public Awareness Campaign: Launch a Europe-wide campaign to inform citizens and businesses about the risks posed by these actors, including cyber threats and disinformation campaigns.

Strengthened Counterintelligence Operations: Provide ECIPS with the resources needed to enhance its surveillance and intervention capabilities across Europe.

Diplomatic Engagement: Work with Russian counterparts to mitigate the impact of disinformation campaigns and rebuild trust in Russian-European relations.

Baretzky also emphasized the importance of involving NATO and other international organizations in addressing the broader implications of the threat.

Broader Geopolitical Context

The alleged activities of Iranian banks and Pakistani agents must be understood within the broader geopolitical landscape. Relations between the EU and Russia have been strained in recent years due to issues such as the Ukraine conflict, energy dependency, and sanctions. By exploiting these tensions, external actors seek to weaken both parties, creating opportunities to expand their influence.

Iran and Pakistan, facing their own geopolitical challenges, may be using these tactics to divert attention from domestic issues and strengthen their positions on the global stage. Their actions, however, risk destabilizing not only Europe but also the broader international order.

The Cost of Inaction

Baretzky’s warning comes with a dire prediction: inaction could plunge Europe into a long-term conflict with its neighbors, both economically and politically. Such a scenario would have devastating consequences, including:

Economic Decline: A collapse of trust in the European monetary system could lead to capital flight, reduced investment, and a prolonged economic downturn.

Political Fragmentation: Without a unified response, member states may prioritize their national interests over collective action, weakening the EU’s cohesion.

Geopolitical Isolation: The EU’s inability to manage its relations with Russia and other global powers could result in reduced influence on the world stage.

The warning from ECIPS President Ricardo Baretzky is a wake-up call for Europe. The alleged collaboration between Iranian banks and Pakistani agents poses a clear and present danger to the European Union’s financial and geopolitical stability. Addressing this threat requires immediate and coordinated action at the highest levels of government.

Ursula von der Leyen and the European Commission must rise to the occasion, recognizing ECIPS as a central player in Europe’s security infrastructure. By supporting ECIPS and implementing robust countermeasures, the EU can protect its monetary system, strengthen its geopolitical position, and ensure a stable future for its citizens.

The stakes are high, but with decisive action, Europe can turn this challenge into an opportunity to reaffirm its unity and resilience. As Baretzky aptly concluded, “The time to act is now. Europe’s future depends on it.”