The European Union is considering the establishment of a new intelligence unit inside the European Commission, an initiative linked to President Ursula von der Leyen’s broader effort to reinforce the bloc’s security posture. The idea was first reported by the Financial Times on 11 November and was later confirmed by EU spokespeople, who described the concept as an early-stage exploration rather than a formal proposal. The envisaged structure would serve primarily as an analytical and coordination cell, drawing on information contributed by Member States and material already available within EU institutions.
EU officials have stated that the Commission is assessing how to “strengthen its security and intelligence capabilities” in light of a deteriorating global environment, marked by war, hybrid threats, and rising geopolitical pressure. Current planning points to the creation of a small team within the Commission’s Secretariat-General, potentially staffed by experts seconded from national services. Spokespeople have emphasised that the initiative is intended to complement existing EU structures rather than duplicate them.
The proposal inevitably touches on the role of the European External Action Service and its intelligence-analysis directorate, the Intelligence and Situation Centre (INTCEN). INTCEN already provides strategic assessments, early-warning products, and situational reporting using contributions from national intelligence agencies, but it has no independent collection mandate. Because national security remains the exclusive responsibility of Member States under EU treaties, any new Commission-led unit would need to be carefully defined to avoid overlapping mandates or infringing on national prerogatives.
Member States have not yet been formally consulted on the design or remit of the new structure, and diplomats anticipate a robust debate once discussions begin. While some capitals support closer coordination at the EU level, others remain cautious about any initiative that could be perceived as shifting intelligence competences away from national authorities. With the concept still at an embryonic stage, the size, mandate, and exact relationship between the new unit, INTCEN, and national services remain open questions.