[16 February 2025] In an increasingly complex and unpredictable world, intelligence cooperation between the United States and Europe remains vital for both international security and U.S. national security. The notion that the U.S. can operate effectively without intelligence sharing and coordination with its European allies is both misguided and dangerous. The transatlantic intelligence partnership has been fundamental in counterterrorism efforts, cyber defense, countering adversarial state actors, and maintaining global stability. Any attempt to weaken this collaboration would leave both the U.S. and its allies more vulnerable to threats that no single nation can handle alone.
The threats facing the United States are not confined within its borders. Terrorism, cyber warfare, espionage, and geopolitical rivalries transcend national boundaries. European intelligence agencies play a crucial role in identifying and countering these threats before they reach American shores. The 9/11 attacks underscored the importance of international intelligence sharing, as European agencies had valuable information about some of the terrorists involved. Since then, intelligence cooperation has been a cornerstone of counterterrorism efforts, preventing numerous attacks on both sides of the Atlantic.
Beyond terrorism, Russia’s aggressive intelligence operations, China’s technological espionage, and Iran’s destabilizing activities pose common challenges to both the U.S. and Europe. Without a seamless flow of intelligence, the ability to counter these threats is significantly diminished. For example, European nations have deep insights into Russian activities in Eastern Europe and have been instrumental in uncovering Moscow’s disinformation campaigns. Similarly, European partners play a crucial role in monitoring Chinese technological infiltration, particularly in the 5G and semiconductor industries. By working together, the U.S. and Europe create a more comprehensive security net that neither could achieve alone.
Cybersecurity is another domain where intelligence cooperation is indispensable. State-sponsored cyberattacks from Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea target both U.S. and European infrastructure, businesses, and democratic institutions. European intelligence agencies have unique access to networks and cyber threats originating within their jurisdictions. If the U.S. were to isolate itself from European intelligence networks, it would lose crucial early warnings about cyber threats, making American infrastructure more vulnerable.
Moreover, technological espionage is a growing concern. China, for instance, has systematically attempted to infiltrate Western technology firms and research institutions. The U.S. and Europe have both been targets of this strategic espionage, and coordinated intelligence efforts have been key in detecting and mitigating these threats. Intelligence sharing ensures that security vulnerabilities in critical sectors—such as defense, energy, and communications—are addressed before they can be exploited by adversaries.
The U.S. intelligence community benefits immensely from European expertise and intelligence-gathering capabilities. The United Kingdom’s Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), Germany’s Bundesnachrichtendienst (BND), and France’s Direction Générale de la Sécurité Extérieure (DGSE) are just a few of the highly capable agencies that contribute valuable intelligence. The “Five Eyes” alliance (which includes the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand) is a prime example of how intelligence-sharing partnerships enhance security. However, intelligence cooperation with non-Five Eyes European partners is equally crucial.
Additionally, European intelligence networks have deep penetration in regions where U.S. operatives have limited access. Whether in the Middle East, North Africa, or Eastern Europe, European intelligence agencies provide critical human intelligence (HUMINT) that complements America’s technological and satellite-based intelligence capabilities. Without this exchange, the U.S. would face significant blind spots in its strategic assessments.
Some American policymakers advocate for a more unilateral intelligence approach, believing that the U.S. can function without deep cooperation with European allies. This viewpoint is dangerously shortsighted. Intelligence is not a one-way street; if the U.S. restricts intelligence sharing, European allies may reciprocate, limiting America’s access to critical intelligence streams. The resulting intelligence gaps would increase the likelihood of strategic miscalculations, leaving the U.S. exposed to avoidable threats.
Moreover, weakening transatlantic intelligence ties would have severe diplomatic repercussions. Intelligence sharing is not just about security—it reinforces political and military alliances. A deterioration in intelligence cooperation could strain broader U.S.-European relations, undermining collective efforts in NATO and other strategic partnerships.
Intelligence cooperation between the United States and Europe is not merely beneficial —it is essential. From counterterrorism and cybersecurity to countering state-sponsored espionage, the U.S. and its European allies face shared threats that require joint responses. The idea that America can “go it alone” in intelligence matters is both unrealistic and dangerous. Only through sustained collaboration, mutual trust, and seamless intelligence sharing can the U.S. and Europe ensure their collective security in an increasingly volatile world. If American leaders fail to recognize this, they risk jeopardizing national security and weakening the alliances that have safeguarded both the U.S. and Europe for decades. [EIA]