EU creates its own intelligence: how Brussels responds to threats from Russia
11 November 15:20
The European Commission has started forming a new intelligence structure that will operate under the direct supervision of Ursula von der Leyen. Its main task is to more effectively coordinate data obtained by national intelligence services of EU member states amid growing threats from Russia and possible decline in US support. This was reported by the Financial Times, citing several sources familiar with the EC’s plans, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports
According to the publication, the new unit will be created within the European Commission’s General Secretariat. It is planned to involve experts from the national intelligence agencies of the EU member states, who will work on summarizing and using joint intelligence data.
“The intelligence services of the EU member states know a lot. The Commission knows a lot. We need a better way to bring it all together and be effective and useful to our partners. In intelligence, to get something, you have to give something,” explained one of the FT’s interlocutors.
However, the initiative has caused concern among some EU diplomats. Representatives of the European External Action Service (EEAS), which currently manages the Intcen think tank, fear that the new structure will duplicate their functions and could jeopardize the activities of the existing agency.
The publication notes that the project has not yet been officially presented to all 27 EU member states. The plans include the involvement of seconded employees from national intelligence services to coordinate the work of the new structure.
According to the European Commission representative, work on the concept is ongoing:
“The concept is being developed and discussions are ongoing. No specific timetable has been set,” the EC said, adding that “it will build on existing expertise within the Commission and… work closely with the relevant services of the EEAS (European External Action Service – ed.).”
A series of incidents with unidentified drones in Europe
In recent weeks, several NATO countries have reported the appearance of unidentified drones near strategic sites.
Belgium: On November 1, drones were spotted over the Kleine Brogel airbase, where US nuclear weapons are stored. Defense Minister Theo Francken said that the drones were spying on fighter jets and ammunition.
on November 4, unidentified drones reappeared near the same base. According to Belgian security services, a foreign state, most likely Russia, may be involved in the incidents.
Germany: on November 5, the Hanover airport was temporarily shut down due to a drone sighting, followed by Munich.
Spain: for the first time, an unknown drone was spotted flying over an airport on the island of Mallorca, which also led to a temporary suspension of air traffic.
In September 2025 alone, at least 14 cases of temporary suspension of airport operations due to drone intrusions were recorded in Europe, a record high for the last year.
Read us on Telegram: important topics – without censorship
