Declaration by the High Representative Josep Borrell on behalf of the EU: European Union response to promote international security and stability in cyberspace
The European Union and its member states have repeatedly signalled their concern and denounced malicious behaviour in cyberspace. Such behaviour is unacceptable as it undermines international security and stability and the benefits provided by the Internet and the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs). We strongly promote a global, open, stable, peaceful and secure cyberspace where human rights and fundamental freedoms and the rule of law fully apply, supporting the acceleration of social, political and economic development.
In order to better prevent, discourage, deter and respond to such malicious behaviour in cyberspace, the Council decided today to apply restrictive measures to six individuals and three entities or bodies involved in cyber-attacks with a significant effect, or attempted cyber-attacks with a potentially significant effect, which constitute an external threat to the European Union or its member states, or with a significant effect against third States or international organisations. The measures concerned are a travel ban and asset freeze to natural persons and an asset freeze to entities or bodies. It is also prohibited to directly or indirectly make funds available to listed individuals and entities or bodies.
The measures follow the European Union and member states consistent signalling and determination to protect the integrity, security, social-wellbeing and prosperity of our free and democratic societies, as well as the rules-based order and the solid functioning of its international organisations. We will continue to strengthen our cooperation to advance international security and stability in cyberspace, increase global resilience and to raise awareness on cyber threats and malicious cyber activities.
The European Union and member states will continue to strongly promote responsible behaviour in cyberspace, and call upon every country to cooperate in favour of international peace and stability, to exercise due diligence and take appropriate action against actors conducting malicious cyber activities, as well as continue to contribute to the implementation of the existing consensus based on 2010, 2013 and 2015 reports of the UN Group of Governmental Experts in the field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security (UNGGE) endorsed by the UN General Assembly and to advance cooperation to strengthen this consensus in the context of the current sixth UNGGE and the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG) as well as other appropriate international fora in this regard.
The Candidate Countries Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania[1] the country of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidate Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and Georgia align themselves with this declaration.
[1]The Republic of North Macedonia, Montenegro and Albania continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process