EU to spend $8.1 million to build bunker for secret talks in Brussels

The European Union will build an 8 million euro [$8.1 million] safe bunker in Brussels so that leaders can discuss classified information without Russian or other spies.

The EU has 27 members but may expand in the future, and the safe room will also be used for lower-level meetings by ambassadors and senior EU officials, EUobserver writes about this with reference to documents related to the project, according to European Pravda.

The room will be disconnected from the Internet but will be equipped with internal conference technology with a large screen and microphones connected to equally secure booths for 30 interpreters.

Both the boardroom and the booths will be enclosed in a NATO-certified insulating frame to "reduce the risk of exploitation of compromising radiation" - electromagnetic and radio waves generated by IT screens and wires that can be intercepted remotely.

Every visitor to the room, even if it is a cleaner, must have a security clearance of the category SECRET EU and a reason for presence. SECRET EU is the second-highest classification level of the block.

It covers information that could "seriously harm" the interests of the EU if it becomes known.

EU leaders and staff will have to leave their phones, laptops, smart watches, electronic key rings and even hearing aids in soundproof lockers outside the bunker.

The facility should be built by 2024 in the EU Council complex in Brussels, where summits are already being held. The exact location has not yet been determined, but officials are looking for something near the usual hall for the EU summit to make it easier for leaders to move around.

This decision was made by the EU after the beginning of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as against the background of the bloc's plans to create a joint armed force with NATO.

According to the project, the bunker will be able to accommodate about 100 people - up to 34 managers and 34 of their protocol officers, as well as protocol, technical and service personnel.