The European Commission is planning to establish a new intelligence division, which will operate directly under the supervision of President Ursula von der Leyen. According to sources, this move is facing resistance from the existing European Union spy apparatus, the Intelligence and Situation Centre (INTCEN). The new division will be part of the commission’s secretariat-general and will draw staff from national intelligence agencies. Its primary role will be to share intelligence across the bloc, rather than conducting covert operations abroad.

The EU already has an intelligence body, INTCEN, which was created after the 2001 terrorist attacks and operates under the European External Action Service (EEAS). Officials within INTCEN are concerned that the new service would duplicate existing functions and weaken the foreign service. The plan to create a new intelligence body follows reports of growing bureaucratic tensions and rivalries among EU officials, with critics accusing von der Leyen of an authoritarian leadership style.

The new intelligence division is part of von der Leyen’s broader push for a Brussels-coordinated military buildup of the EU, which is being framed as preparation for potential large-scale conflict with Russia. The creation of a central intelligence hub is seen as a key component of this effort. A spokesperson for the Commission stated that the new body would “work closely with the EEAS services,” but sources indicate that the initiative reflects dissatisfaction with INTCEN’s performance since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in 2022.

The European Commission’s plan to establish a new intelligence division has significant implications for the EU’s intelligence gathering and sharing capabilities. The move is likely to be closely watched by member states and other stakeholders, given the potential impact on the EU’s foreign policy and security operations. As the EU continues to navigate complex geopolitical relationships and emerging security threats, the development of its intelligence capabilities will be an important aspect of its overall strategy.