EU proposes 1.1 bn euro plan to defend itself from growing cyber threats

By early 2024, the European Union aims to have a network of centres tasked with detecting and responding to cyber threats. With this European 'cyber shield', the Commission aims to confront increasingly common cybersecurity incidents that threaten European networks and information systems.

The threat of such incidents has only increased since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Commission said on Tuesday, referring to a "large group of state-driven, criminal and hacktivist actors that play a role in current geopolitical tensions".

With its new package on cybersecurity, the Commission aims to strengthen Europe's defences. The plan aims to create a cyber shield consisting of national and cross-border centres for security operations. These centres will be able to use advanced technology such as artificial intelligence and advanced data analysis.

The Commission plans to have the network operational by early 2024. In a preparatory phase, it has already selected three consortia of centres, involving a total of 18 European countries.

Simultaneously, an emergency mechanism should proactively enhance cybersecurity by screening at-risk entities in the healthcare, transport and energy sectors for vulnerabilities.

The Commission's cyber shield initiative, which has yet to be approved by the Parliament and Council, is expected to cost 1.1 billion euros.

(BRV)

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