"Russia-China Eavesdropping Blocked"... EU Builds Bunker for Secret Meetings

Plan to Complete Brussels Facility in 2024 with About 10.5 Billion Won
European Countries Expel Russian Diplomats Over Illegal Information Gathering

The European Union (EU) is spending around 1 billion euros to build a secret meeting bunker to block eavesdropping from Russia, China, and others. (Photo by AP Yonhap News)

[Asia Economy Reporter Kang Woo-seok] The European Union (EU) is planning to build a secret bunker for confidential meetings to block eavesdropping by Russia, China, and others.

According to a report by the British daily The Times on the 11th (local time), a secret bunker where EU leaders can discuss critical matters is set to be constructed in Brussels, Belgium, the location of the EU Commission headquarters.

The construction cost of the secret bunker is expected to reach 8 million euros (approximately 10.5 billion KRW). The anticipated completion date is 2024.

The bunker will accommodate around 100 people, and only heads of state, aides, and restaurant staff from each country will be allowed access. Additionally, mobile phones, computers, smartwatches, and similar devices will not be permitted inside.

According to 'EU Observer,' which reports on EU-related news, the bunker will be equipped with NATO-certified military-grade soundproofing devices, and other items will be allowed only after security inspections.

The bunker will primarily operate offline, and leaders will communicate through large screens and microphones. Sensitive topics that could negatively impact Europe or heighten international tensions if leaked will be discussed here.

The Times reported that the purpose of establishing the bunker is to prevent Russia, China, and others from eavesdropping on conversations among EU leaders.

In 2018, the EU warned that eavesdropping devices installed by Russia and China might exist in some cafes and restaurants.

Since Russia's recent invasion of Ukraine, the EU has continuously held meetings on sanctions against Russia and ways to reduce dependence on Russian gas, raising concerns that Russia might be eavesdropping during these discussions.

In fact, Russia is believed to have gathered various information through its personnel located throughout Europe. In April, European countries expelled Russian diplomats citing illegal intelligence gathering.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.