EU to prioritise cybersecurity

Seán Kelly MEP and Leader of the Fine Gael delegation in the European Parliament has welcomed a pledge by the European Commission President to prioritise cybersecurity across the EU in the coming year.

“In his State of the European Union speech to MEPs in Strasbourg this week, Jean-Claude Juncker listed improving cybersecurity as a priority and proposed new tools to combat cyber-attacks,” said Mr Kelly in welcoming the proposals.

The comments followed a call by the Ireland South MEP for a robust common EU cybersecurity strategy to be able to repel any cyber-attacks against our energy supplies, aviation sector, commercial sectors, and governments.

“Mr Juncker informed the European Parliament that last year alone there were more than 4,000 ransomware attacks per day and 80 percent of European companies experienced at least one cyber-security incident.

“It is now almost daily that we hear about data breaches, malicious malware and online financial scams, and there are more sinister risks too from those who do not seek financial gain, but terrorists who want to cause damage and disruption,” said Kelly.

MEP Kelly, further welcomed the proposal to create a European Cybersecurity Agency, to help defend Europeans against such attacks.

"I look forward to reviewing the Commission's proposal. Cybersecurity and counter terrorism are priority areas for the EPP Group to which Fine Gael is aligned and we will continue to push for security and peace of mind for our citizens,” Mr Kelly added.