CIA Chief Meets EU Officials to Reassure on Intelligence Sharing
The Trump administration’s unpredictable foreign policy has raised concerns in Europe about Washington’s reliability in intelligence cooperation.
Low-Key Visit in Brussels
CIA Director John Ratcliffe visited Brussels quietly this week, meeting with leading EU foreign and intelligence officials. His purpose was clear: to restore trust amid growing European unease.
Key Meetings
- Ratcliffe met with Kaja Kallas, the EU's top diplomat.
- He also engaged with senior staff from the EU Intelligence and Situation Center (INTCEN).
- Officials from the EU Military Staff Intelligence Directorate (EUMS) participated as well.
Reaffirming Commitment
According to sources, Ratcliffe aimed to calm nerves and reassure European partners of Washington's ongoing dedication to intelligence sharing.
Several EU capitals have grown wary due to policy shifts under President Donald Trump, including the sudden suspension of battlefield intelligence sharing with Ukraine in March and the appointment of Trump loyalists that many see as politicizing intelligence efforts.
Ratcliffe’s Background
A former Republican congressman from Texas, Ratcliffe is known as a staunch Trump ally. He gained prominence during the first impeachment process, aggressively opposing the inquiry while serving on the House Intelligence Committee.
Official Purpose of the Visit
Officially, Ratcliffe was in Brussels to brief the North Atlantic Council, NATO’s primary political decision-making body, according to a diplomat familiar with the visit.
"You can still trust us."
Author's summary: CIA Director Ratcliffe’s discreet Brussels visit sought to rebuild European trust shaken by erratic U.S. intelligence policies under President Trump.