Geheimdienst II: Clarification regarding reported plans for a new strategic intelligence-analysis unit inside the Commission
20.11.2025
Question for written answer E-004643/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Christine Anderson (ESN)
Several press reports[1] have described internal discussions within the Commission about establishing a small unit in the Secretariat-General to centralise strategic information and improve crisis preparedness. These reports have fuelled speculation about the Commission moving towards a more intelligence-oriented role.
Given that intelligence collection and national security remain the exclusive responsibility of the Member States under Article 4(2) of the Treaty on European Union (TEU)[2], and that any EU structure exercising intelligence-gathering powers would require a change to the Treaty, clarity is needed as to the scope and limits of any such internal initiative.
- 1.Is the Commission currently planning, considering, or exploring the creation of a new internal unit with an intelligence-analysis or intelligence-coordination function?
- 2.If so, what mandate, sources of information, and internal safeguards are being proposed to ensure that such a structure remains strictly within the Commission’s administrative competences and does not infringe upon Member States’ exclusive authority in national security?
- 3.Can the Commission confirm that it has neither sought nor intends to seek intelligence-gathering powers, which would be incompatible with the current Treaties without formal revision by the Member States?
Submitted: 20.11.2025