The EU may create its own intelligence agency to counter external threats.

The European Union should establish a full-fledged intelligence agency to counter foreign threats and respond more decisively to espionage, according to a draft report prepared at the request of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has commissioned a report on the creation of a full-fledged European Union intelligence agency that will be responsible for counteracting foreign threats and combating espionage.

Former President of Finland Sauli Niinistö has prepared recommendations on this issue. He plans to publish his findings as early as next week.

The developed draft report envisages the creation of a new intelligence service that will collect data on threats to the EU originating from outside its borders and directed against EU institutions.

The document notes that such an intelligence service is needed to address risks arising from the actions of Vladimir Putin, conflicts in the Middle East, and China's increasing influence in Eastern Europe.

It is expected that Niinistö will propose expanding the powers of the EU Intelligence and Situation Centre and involving EU diplomatic delegations in it.

The draft report also includes a call for the EU to strengthen the protection of its institutions from spies by establishing an appropriate legal framework.

There are plans to impose restrictions on diplomats from third countries if they pose a threat and travel within the EU.

Proposals for funding intelligence activities include increasing allocations for the European Investment Bank towards the defense sector. Furthermore, a portion of the EU budget would be directed towards security and defense, and member states should allocate a certain percentage of their GDP to these efforts.