The idea of such a structure had previously been publicly raised by Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. On this, Christine Anderson, MEP of the ESN Group (AfD), states:
“The EU Commission is apparently setting up its own intelligence cell. But this is highly problematic, because intelligence analysis and national security are, under the EU Treaties, clearly the responsibility of the member states, not the Brussels bureaucracy.”
Under Article 4(2) of the Treaty on European Union, national security remains the sole responsibility of the member states. An EU structure with intelligence powers would therefore require a change to the Treaties.
The plans are linked to the “European Democracy Shield” initiative, under which a new EU center is to identify foreign threats at an early stage and support coordinated responses. According to the responsible Commissioner, Michael McGrath, a corresponding unit within the Commission has already begun its work.
In conclusion, Anderson addresses a clear message to the Commission President:
“I call for this project to be stopped immediately. Brussels has neither the right nor the need for its own intelligence service. Ursula von der Leyen should remember this: she is President of the European Commission, and she must uphold the European Treaties instead of misusing the Commission for her surveillance fantasies.”
