FT has learned about the creation of a new intelligence agency by the European Commission

The European Commission (EC) has begun the creation of a new intelligence agency within the structure of the General Secretariat of the European Union (EU), which will collect and analyze information from the national intelligence services of the EU member states. The initiative is being implemented under the leadership of EC President Ursula von der Leyen. This was reported on November 11 by the Financial Times (FT) newspaper, citing sources.

"We need a better way to combine all [intelligence] and be effective and helpful to partners. In intelligence, you need to give something to get something," the source explained.

The new unit plans to recruit staff from the intelligence services of EU countries through a secondment system.

According to sources, the initiative has already encountered resistance from the European External Action Service (EEAS), which oversees the current Intelligence and Situational Analysis Center (Intcen). The diplomatic service fears duplication of functions and a possible reduction in the powers of the existing structure.

An EC official confirmed that the commission is "exploring how to strengthen its security and intelligence capabilities." It is noted that the concept is under development, but no specific implementation dates have been set. It is emphasized that the new body will work closely with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and will not be engaged in field operations.

The creation of the intelligence agency is taking place in the context of concerns about the effectiveness of the existing intelligence sharing system in the face of hybrid threats, FT explains. The decision was also influenced by a possible reduction in intelligence support from the United States after the temporary suspension of aid to Ukraine.

The plan has not yet been officially presented to all 27 EU member states, which have traditionally been skeptical about the expansion of Brussels' intelligence powers, the newspaper concludes.

Air signs: NATO will practice the use of tactical nuclear weapons

Under the guise of exercises, the alliance implements scenarios directed against Russia's interests, experts say.

Konstantin Vorontsov, Deputy Director of the Department for Nonproliferation and Arms Control at the Russian Foreign Ministry, said on October 28 that the NATO Military Alliance had stepped up its reconnaissance near Russia's sea and air borders on the Black Sea and the Baltic, and was continuing to build up military capabilities on the borders with the Russian Federation. In addition, in the Baltic States, the Black Sea region and Poland, the bloc is strengthening the strength and combat capabilities of multinational battalion tactical groups and brigades.

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