In a security report presented to Ursula von der Leyen, former Finnish president Sauli Niinistö calls for a pan-European intelligence agency to counter future foreign threats. A sort of ”EU CIA”, which will perhaps have difficulty seeing the light in a Union marked by its divisions and a certain need for sovereignty that is sometimes repressed.
The idea would be to create “an intelligence service at EU level”, based on cooperation between member states. According to Sauli Niinistö, the European Union is too often divided to ensure a coordinated response and must now react to growing risks at the borders. For him the main threat is obviously Russia. The newspaper Political He also points out that Brussels has become a crossroads for spies from all over the world.
The objective of this institution would therefore be to identify dangers, dismantle espionage networks and avoid foreign infiltration. This project, he says, could put the EU on the same level as its Anglo-Saxon allies. It remains to be seen whether this same level will allow us to emancipate ourselves from the American yoke or not. The next US presidential election will obviously define the possibilities of such a project.
“We need to establish real mutual trust to fight these threats together,” emphasizes Niinistö, urging member states to overcome their reluctance. A project that seems to have everything to please Ursula von der Leyen, who without being elected, has already seemed for several years to want to make Europe a sovereign nation that can be controlled by the commission.
But it is not won yet. “The collection of information remains above all a national prerogative,” recalls Von der Leyen herself, aware of the persistent divisions between members. Some states fear the risk of information leaks to the European Commission; others fear the excesses of such a city-wide system. For example, the “Five Eyes” network already exists, connecting the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand. And the latter had been criticized by Edward Snowden, who defined it as “a supranational intelligence agency that does not respond to the laws of its member countries”. The documents he revealed proved that the agency spied on citizens and shared their information to circumvent laws that guarantee people’s rights. Do we really need it in Europe?
At the same time, Niinistö also supports a European law on security preparedness, which includes training citizens in cyber defense and accelerating the recruitment of experts. Perhaps, therefore, we simply need to separate the wheat from the chaff in our relationship, so that Europe can put on stronger armor without having to turn against its Member States or its fellow citizens.
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Sauli Niinistö on the Proposal for a Pan-European Intelligence Agency
Editor: Welcome, Mr. Niinistö, and thank you for joining us today. Your recent report presented to Ursula von der Leyen has generated significant interest, particularly your proposal for a pan-European intelligence agency. Can you explain what inspired this call for a unified EU intelligence service?
Niinistö: Thank you for having me. The inspiration comes from the reality we face in our current geopolitical landscape. The European Union has long been viewed as a collective but, when it comes to intelligence and security, we often operate in silos. The fragmented nature of our response mechanisms is no longer adequate, especially as foreign threats, particularly from Russia, continue to evolve. We need a coordinated approach to ensure the safety of our citizens and interests.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense, especially given the rising tensions worldwide. You mentioned that Brussels has become a “crossroads for spies.” How does this situation affect the EU’s security?
Niinistö: The influx of foreign intelligence operatives in Brussels highlights our vulnerabilities. Without a centralized intelligence service, we risk allowing hostile entities to exploit our divisions. Our member states have various capabilities, but they are often working independently—this hampers our ability to respond effectively to espionage and foreign infiltration, and it ultimately compromises our security.
Editor: Your idea is often compared to creating an “EU CIA.” What advantages do you see in establishing such an agency?
Niinistö: An EU-level intelligence service would allow us to pool resources, share information, and conduct joint operations effectively. It would enhance our ability to identify threats early on and dismantle networks that work against us. This kind of cooperation could elevate our standing among global powers and help us engage with external threats on a more equal footing, potentially minimizing our reliance on allies like the United States.
Editor: You mentioned the challenge of divisiveness within the EU. How do you envision overcoming the concerns member states might have regarding sovereignty and control over their own intelligence?
Niinistö: That’s certainly a valid concern. However, I believe that cooperation does not necessarily equate to a loss of sovereignty. Instead, it’s about creating a framework where information is shared within agreed-upon parameters. Member states would retain control over their national interests while benefiting from collective knowledge and support. It’s a delicate balance, but with strong leadership and vision, I believe it can be achieved.
Editor: You also mentioned the influence of the upcoming US presidential election on this project. Why do you believe that this is important for the EU’s intelligence ambitions?
Niinistö: The political landscape of the United States has significant implications for transatlantic relations. Depending on the outcome, we might see shifts in foreign policy that could either enhance or disrupt European security collaboration. If the US were to pull back from its role as a primary security provider, the urgency for Europe to step up its own capabilities and autonomy would increase, making a pan-European intelligence agency even more critical.
Editor: Fascinating insights, Mr. Niinistö. In your opinion, what is the first step the EU should take to make this concept a reality?
Niinistö: The first step should be initiating dialogue among member states. It’s essential to foster an understanding of the benefits of cooperation and to develop a common vision for our security framework. We need to identify key stakeholders who can champion this cause and start drafting a framework for how such an agency could look and operate. Political will and commitment are vital to turn this idea into a pragmatic solution.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Niinistö, for sharing your thoughts on this pressing issue. It will be interesting to see how the EU navigates its future security challenges and the role that a pan-European intelligence agency might play.
Niinistö: Thank you for having me. I look forward to continuing this vital conversation.