Claim: EU Plans Central 'Umbrella' Intelligence Unit Under European Commission

WISE NEWS PRESS / BRUSSELS, BELGIUM — Nov. 12, 2025

The European Union's executive body, the European Commission, is reportedly planning to create a new intelligence unit within its structure. This unit would be tasked with analyzing and consolidating intelligence gathered from the national security services of all 27 member states under a single umbrella.

According to a report by the Financial Times (FT), which cites four sources familiar with the plan, the new unit would operate directly under European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The primary objective is to enhance the effective use of sensitive information flowing from national intelligence agencies.

The unit is planned to be established within the Secretariat-General of the European Commission. The current institution responsible for strategic intelligence analysis within the EU is the Intelligence and Situation Centre (Intcen), which is subordinate to the European External Action Service (EEAS). However, senior officials from the EEAS are reportedly opposing the establishment of a new intelligence body.

Objections Expected from Member States

The FT reported that the plans to create the new intelligence unit have not yet been formally conveyed to all 27 member states.

Two sources anticipate objections from European capitals to the Commission establishing an intelligence unit within its own structure. They added, however, that doubts about the effectiveness of the existing Intcen have persisted for a long time.

Intelligence sharing within the EU has been a long-standing point of contention. Countries with extensive intelligence networks, such as France, remain cautious about sharing sensitive information. Furthermore, the presence of governments close to Russia within the EU, such as Hungary, also complicates data sharing efforts among the member states.

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