EU Urged to Create Central Intelligence Agency

Former Finnish President Sauli Niinistö has proposed the establishment of a CIA-style intelligence agency for the European Union to enhance defense against espionage and foreign threats, particularly in light of the ongoing Russian war in Ukraine. Niinistö's report, commissioned by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, recommends a centralized intelligence cooperation service among the 27 member states, aimed at improving rapid response to security crises and ensuring strategic independence. The report also advocates for an anti-sabotage network and better counter-espionage measures to protect critical infrastructure. Niinistö emphasized that the security of one member state is closely linked to the others, necessitating a collective approach to defense. Additionally, he called for legal frameworks to enable access to encrypted data to combat various threats. This initiative reflects a significant shift in the EU's defense strategy as it prepares for more integrated security measures.