EU Urged to Create Intelligence Body to Counter External Threats

  • Niinisto report to call for improved counter-espionage tools
  • Proposals part of bloc’s debate over boosting preparedness
Ursula von der LeyenPhotographer: John Thys/AFP/Getty Images
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The European Union should gradually build a fully fledged intelligence body to better counter threats from foreign actors and respond more forcefully to espionage within its borders, according to a recent draft of a report requested by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

The new intelligence service would gather its own intelligence about threats originating beyond EU borders that target the bloc as a whole, according to people familiar with the report. The aim is to avoid overlap with national agencies and help counter espionage aimed at EU institutions.