The European Union is taking preliminary steps to establish a new intelligence unit directly under Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a controversial initiative that tests the sensitive division of power between Brussels and member states on national security.

According to a report by the Financial Times, the proposed unit is designed to better coordinate intelligence gathered by the EU's own bodies and the various national services of its 27 member countries. The goal, as outlined in the proposal, is to synthesize this information to help the bloc develop more unified and informed positions in global diplomacy.

However, the plan is already facing internal friction and is expected to provoke fierce debate. An EU spokesperson confirmed to the German press agency DPA that the plans remain in a “very embryonic” stage, suggesting the final unit would be a small team of experts recruited from national agencies. The Financial Times reported that no specific timeline has been set.

A significant point of contention is that the proposal has not yet been formally coordinated with member states. National security is explicitly reserved as a matter for individual countries under key EU treaties, and intelligence sharing has long been a sensitive issue due to the bloc's differing political allegiances, particularly regarding relations with Russia.

Further opposition is emerging from within the EU's existing structures. The bloc already has an intelligence unit housed within its diplomatic wing, the European External Action Service (EEAS). Officials there have reportedly voiced concerns that the new Commission-based unit would duplicate the work of their own Intelligence and Situation Centre.

While the war in Ukraine has spurred greater European cooperation on defense, national capitals remain highly protective of their sovereignty in intelligence matters. The creation of a new central unit under President von der Leyen is likely to face significant pushback as it navigates the complex political landscape of European intelligence. (ILKHA)