The European Union Plans to Establish a Joint Intelligence Unit Amid Signs of Internal Division
Sources within Europe have revealed that the European Commission has begun creating a new intelligence body under the supervision of Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. This initiative aims to enhance the use of information gathered by national intelligence agencies within the bloc, although opposition from member capitals is anticipated, as reported by the Financial Times.
Informed sources highlighted that the unit, to be formed within the Commission’s Secretariat, intends to employ officials from various intelligence agencies in the EU and gather information for common purposes.
The sources noted that the Commission is currently developing the overarching concept for the unit but has not set a timeline, indicating that the matter “will depend on the expertise present within the Commission, which is closely cooperating with the relevant entities in support of European external action.”
One source stated: “Intelligence agencies in EU member states possess abundant information. The Commission does as well. We need a better way to gather all of this together to be effective and beneficial for partners. In intelligence, it is essential to provide something in order to receive something in return.”
The source added that senior officials in the EU’s diplomatic service, which oversees the EU’s intelligence center, oppose this step, fearing it could undermine the unit’s role and threaten its future.
A spokesperson for the Commission stated that it is “exploring ways to enhance its security and intelligence capabilities. As part of this approach, the establishment of a dedicated cell within the Secretariat is being considered.”
The Commission has not formally informed the 27 EU member states about the plan yet, but the body aims to bring in officials seconded from national intelligence agencies in member states.
Expected European Opposition
Sources believe that EU capitals are likely to resist the Commission’s efforts to grant new intelligence powers to Brussels, as there have long been concerns about the effectiveness of the internal intelligence center, especially in response to Europe’s handling of the Russian hybrid war.
The exchange of intelligence information has always been a sensitive topic for EU member states, as larger countries, such as France, which have extensive spying capabilities, have been cautious about sharing sensitive information with their partners.
The emergence of pro-Russian governments in countries like Hungary has complicated intelligence cooperation.
This new unit follows von der Leyen’s decision to establish a “security college” aimed at briefing her commissioners on security and intelligence issues. Additionally, she has acted to fund weapons purchases for Ukraine and launch the Iris² satellite project.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine and warnings from former President Donald Trump about reducing U.S. security support to Europe have prompted the EU to reassess its domestic security capabilities and initiate the largest rearmament campaign since the Cold War.
Trump’s suggestions that the U.S. might scale back its support for Europe and his temporary suspension of intelligence support to Ukraine this spring have highlighted the continent’s dependence on Washington for certain capabilities.
The history of intelligence information exchange among EU countries dates back to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States, which prompted the intelligence agencies in France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and the UK to start compiling classified security assessments.
However, this process became more institutionalized and expanded to include other member states, and in 2011 it was incorporated under the EU’s diplomatic service.
