The Federal Council for the Protection of the Constitutional Order in the control of intelligence services in former Yugoslavia (1975-1992)

Abstract

The Federal Council for the Protection of the Constitutional Order was established on January 10, 1975, as a part of the Presidency of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. It had eight members. From 1975 to 1992, it had over 150 sessions, where it made some of the most important decisions that were especially important for the functioning of t he intelligence system of Yugoslavia at the time. It analyzed the state of the protection of the constitutional order, it investigated the matters of building and establishing the foundations of the intelligence system, it evaluated the initiatives and proposals for establishing cooperation with foreign intelligence services, it determined guidelines, the forms and methods of cooperation, as well as other important matters for the political guidance and work coordination of organs dealing with state security. By considering these and other questions in their jurisdiction, it took appropriate stands to give their opinions and recommendations to the Presidency of Yugoslavia to take measures for policy implementation in the area of state security. In the last few years of its existence, this body did not have the strength or power to prevent the civil war and the disappearance of this state, much like other significant political factors in this federation.