EU Cybersecurity Strategy Conference - State of Play

Two years after the adoption of the EU Cybersecurity Strategy the Second High-level Conference on 28 May provided an overview of the state of play of the implementation of the main priorities of the Strategy and showcased highlights of its main actions.

EEAS Deputy Secretary General Maciej Popowski gave a key note speech in which he outlined major EU achievements in the international cyber policy field. The EEAS has been actively working to mainstream cyber issues into the Common Foreign and Security Policy - it has launched cyber dialogues with key strategic partners, namely the US, Japan, South Korea, India and China, and worked closely with Member States and the Commission in facilitating a coordinated EU approach to cyber related issues in the global fora.

The EEAS leads regular cyber consultations between the EU and NATO, and other international organisations (e.g. OSCE, ARF) on cyber-related issues.

Together with the European Commission, the EEAS has started capacity building efforts to address cyber threats also in third countries. Projects are underway to introduce and implement a minimum legal framework and train law enforcement personnel to tackle cybercrime. The EU will increase its financial resources to address cybercrime and cyber threats globally.

In relation to cyber diplomacy, the EU will equally continue to extend into cyberspace its core values of democracy, human rights and the rule of law and promote the understanding that existing international law applies online as it does offline. The EEAS has been supporting international discussions on the definition of norms and principles of responsible state behaviour. In this framework, agreed international rules will help enhance transparency and predictability of state behaviour and therefore stability in cyberspace.

Last November, the EU Cyber Defence Policy Framework

was adopted by the Council. It aims to increase the level of cyber resilience in the CSDP structures, missions and operations, as well as to assist the Member States to develop cyber defence capabilities related to CSDP.

DSG Popowski quoted HR/VP Mogherini who earlier this spring at the Global Cyberspace Conference said "We are working to provide a better life for future generations, where the safe and peaceful use of technology facilitates the free flow of information and ideas".

Topics

CFSP,

Cyber Security