Report calls for better cooperation between European intelligence services

Former Finnish president Sauli Niinistö has recommended stronger coordination among European intelligence services, ultimately calling for a centralised European intelligence coordination body.

In a report commissioned by the European Commission, Niinistö urges the EU to better prepare for civil and military crises, from wars to extreme weather events. The report was formally presented to European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday.

With Europe increasingly facing "hybrid" and “aggressive” attacks from foreign powers like Russia, Niinistö believes the EU’s intelligence infrastructure needs bolstering.

“The intelligence structures of the European Union must be progressively strengthened,” he said in the report, suggesting that this could culminate in the establishment of a unified European intelligence coordination service. He says this coordination is vital to building mutual trust among member states.

Niinistö proposes that the initial step should involve expanding the staffing and authority of the EU's Intelligence and Situation Centre, allowing it to play a more robust role.

Traditionally, member states guard their national intelligence, which could present a challenge to the European intelligence service. However, there is growing support from key EU leaders. Figures like former Italian prime minister Enrico Letta and European Council president Charles Michel have also advocated for a European intelligence body similar to the CIA or FBI, which would enhance the EU's ability to respond to shared threats.


Sauli Niinistö © PHOTO JOHN THYS / AFP


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