Organization

The National Security Authority (NSA) is a collegial authority. Different offices belonging to various federal ministries compose the NSA, which works by peer collaboration and collegial decision-making. In this context, the Secretariat of the National Security Authority is primarily responsible for the administrative processing of applications and delivery of security certificates.

The peer services

The collegial authorities make a vital contribution to the services of the National Security Authority (NSA). For example, the intelligence services perform security investigations in the framework of Security Clearances, while the federal police carry out important tasks in the context of security screenings. These collegial authorities decide together whether a security clearance is handed out or on the extend of a security verification. 

The National Security Authority has nine peer services:

• FPS Foreign Affairs: Chair and secretariat                                                                          
• Customs and Excise Administration                                                                       
• General Service of Intelligence and Security of Defense                          
• Crisis Centre Ministry of the Interior                                                                 
• Federal Agency for Nuclear Control                
• Federal Police
• FPS Economy: directorate general of Economic analysis & international economy
• FPS Mobility and Transport: DG Aviation
• State Security

The Secretariat

The Secretariat has an important administrative support function as well as a policy coordination function between the different peer services. The Secretariat of the National Security Authority is located at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

The Secretariat consists of four teams:

Security Clearances,  Security Attestations and Security Advices

This department handles requests from companies, administrations and their employees who need access to classified information. Following a decision by the National Security Authority a Security Clearance will be delivered or refused.

With respect to access to certain professions, buildings or events, an administrative authority may impose a security verification ( "screening"). Depending on the context (see Law 11.12.1998 Articles 22a and d) such an investigation may result in a Security Attestation or Security Advice.

 

Information Assurance

The INFOSEC department performs supporting and coordinating tasks for the protection of classified information stored or processed on communication and information systems. In addition, the department acts as the national certification authority and for that purpose provides certificates for approved communication and information systems. The INFOSEC department represents Belgium in Information Security Committees of international organizations such as the Council of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

 

International Relations

This department coordinates the international activities of the NSA. It negotiates security agreements with key partner countries and represents Belgium in Security Committees of international organizations such as the European Union (EU) and NATO.

 

Support

This department provides the administrative support and client relations. Its employees play an important role in customer service and ensure a smooth referral of applications.