The European Commission, together with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has published a cybersecurity strategy alongside a Commission proposed directive on network and information security (NIS).
The cybersecurity strategy – “An Open, Safe and Secure Cyberspace” – represents the EU’s comprehensive vision on how best to prevent and respond to cyber disruptions and attacks. This is to further European values of freedom and democracy and ensure the digital economy can safely grow. Specific actions are aimed at enhancing cyber resilience of information systems, reducing cybercrime and strengthening EU international cyber-security policy and cyber defence.
The strategy articulates the EU’s vision of cyber-security in terms of five priorities:
- Achieving cyber resilience
- Drastically reducing cybercrime
- Developing cyber defence policy and capabilities related to the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP)
- Developing the industrial and technological resources for cyber-security
- Establishing a coherent international cyberspace policy for the European Union and promoting core EU values
The EU international cyberspace policy promotes the respect of EU core values, defines norms for responsible behaviour, advocates the application of existing international laws in cyberspace, while assisting countries outside the EU with cyber-security capacity-building, and promoting international cooperation in cyber issues. Here to read more.
