Europe should be more prepared for cyber attacks, the draft states. Since the war in Ukraine began, Russia has been ramping up activity in cyberspace, including targeting critical infrastructure such as energy networks. Europe’s eastern flank in particular has experienced a surge of cyber attacks.
China, Iran and North Korea also consistently target western governments, companies and other key institutions. State-sponsored hybrid and cyberattacks have become a “permanent feature of today’s reality,” the paper argues.
One key proposal is to set up a “European cybersecurity alert system,” which the Commission says would improve European threat detection and situational awareness. It also proposes digital training and help for countries hoping to join the EU, and calls for more use of cyber diplomacy and better cooperation with NATO.
Companies also have an active role to play in preparedness, as there’s a need to share information but also participate in “strategic foresight and anticipatory initiatives,” as well as training.
“The EU needs to promote cooperation between public and private organisations in strategic sectors such as cybersecurity, ensuring the workforce needs and educational offer are aligned,” according to the draft.
Natural disasters
Preparedness is “not just about potential man-made conflict,” Mînzatu said. “It is about how we react to floods; we have seen what has happened in Spain,” which suffered from ‘monster’ flooding last year, killing hundreds of people.
