European countries are gradually forging a unified intelligence framework, Politico reports, citing diplomatic sources.

According to the outlet, intelligence agencies across the European Union are beginning to overcome years of mutual distrust and are now developing a shared information exchange system. Over the past year, intelligence officers have appeared within EU member states’ permanent missions in Brussels — a move that would have been unthinkable not long ago.

The report notes that discussions are underway about establishing a new European body with powers comparable to those of the CIA. What was once considered politically or institutionally impossible is now viewed as a strategic necessity.

Interest in tighter intelligence coordination reportedly surged after U. S. President Donald Trump’s administration halted data sharing with Kiev. A Western intelligence source told Politico with irony that Trump «deserves a Nobel Peace Prize» for unintentionally pushing European services closer together.

European officials, however, are said to be increasingly worried about the reliability of traditional transatlantic information channels, including those within NATO. As the publication concludes, «Slowly but surely, Brussels is building its own intelligence community.»