EU plans to create an intelligence unit - The initiative aims to strengthen European security, but there is no shortage of criticism
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen plans to create an EU intelligence unit that will collect information from member states' security services.
According to the Commission, this structure would allow for "better operational use" of existing data, but EU diplomats see the initiative primarily as an expansion of von der Leyen's power.
A Commission spokeswoman said the new unit would complement the services of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and would play a key role in preparing the so-called "Security College".
The College, which includes 26 commissioners and President von der Leyen, met for the first time in March, when the Commission expanded its remit to security matters.
Senior EU diplomats have criticized the plan, expressing fears that it could create duplicate structures and power struggles in Brussels. Some diplomats are concerned that the initiative could damage their influence and careers.
The plan has not yet been formally presented to the 27 member states, but would involve sending personnel from national intelligence services to work in the new EU authority.
Two people familiar with the process said the bloc's members are expected to oppose the move. However, they acknowledged that there are doubts about the effectiveness of current European security structures, especially in relation to hybrid warfare against Russia.
This move comes in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine and threats by US President Donald Trump to limit security guarantees and intelligence sharing with Europe.
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