Cybersecurity: Attacks on our infrastructure are attacks on our entire society

“We must strengthen our European cybersecurity shield,” warned Pilar del Castillo MEP, EPP Group Spokeswoman on cybersecurity and Jeroen Lenaers MEP, EPP Group Spokesman on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs.

Today, the European Parliament will debate on cyberattacks in Europe. The EPP Group calls for more efforts in the development of secure and reliable networks, information systems and infrastructure across the European Union.

“We have to move up a gear, step up our efforts and develop a network of security operation centres, capable of detecting the signs of a cyberattack sufficiently early. This would allow for pre-emptive action before damage is caused,” demanded del Castillo. 

Lenaers said that "cyberattacks are not only criminal in nature but also form part of hybrid warfare aggressions against the EU, including disinformation and attempts to interfere with electoral processes. Those who attack the critical infrastructure of our society attack our society and our way of life as a whole. Our values of freedom, democracy and the rule of law - our European way of life - are under threat."

As the EU transitions to a more green and digital economy, cybersecurity has become a cornerstone in the EU’s and its Member States’ socio-economic development. “The EU needs to develop a security framework for Internet-connected infrastructure and products. The competitiveness of our industry is inextricably linked to the secure development of the Internet of Things.”

“The EU has a real added value in contributing to the coordination of responses to cybersecurity challenges, investing in cybersecurity research and boosting the development of a European cybersecurity industry,” del Castillo concluded.  

The European Parliament's resolution on Cybersecurity Strategy proposes 2030 as the target date for a number of cybersecurity goals. It lays down a number of guiding principles and recommendations on how to achieve these goals. The results of the vote are expected to be announced on Thursday afternoon.