EU to Launch New Intelligence Unit Despite French Opposition

The European Commission, led by President Ursula von der Leyen, has initiated the creation of a new intelligence unit. The aim of this step is to better consolidate and utilize information received from the national intelligence services of EU member states, reports the Financial Times.

The newly created structure plans to involve staff from the intelligence communities of EU countries to collect data for "common goals." This initiative is driven by new geopolitical challenges, including the ongoing war in Ukraine and the need for Europe to rely more on its own forces to ensure its security.

However, a number of countries, particularly France and Hungary, are opposing this initiative. These countries are concerned that the centralization of information could lead to its leakage and the loss of national control over sensitive data. Despite these disagreements, the European Commission is determined to move forward with the plan to create this structure.