Council adopts cybersecurity strategy conclusions – EURACTIV.com

Council adopts cybersecurity strategy conclusions
By Ana Matos Neves | EURACTIV with Lusa 23 Mar 2021 (updated: 24 Mar 2021)

The Council of the European Union (EU), currently chaired by Portugal, on Monday (22 March) adopted conclusions on the EU cybersecurity strategy, particularly about fifth-generation mobile networks (5G), aimed at protecting against cyber threats. [Shutterstock]

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The Council of the European Union (EU), currently chaired by Portugal, on Monday (22 March) adopted conclusions on the EU cybersecurity strategy, particularly about fifth-generation mobile networks (5G), aimed at protecting against cyber threats.

In a statement, the structure where the Member States are represented reported that it had adopted conclusions on the European cybersecurity strategy for the digital decade, noting that this framework presented last December by the Commission and the High Representative for Foreign Policy, Josep Borrell, sets out the EU’s framework for action to protect citizens and businesses against cyber threats, promote secure information systems and protect a global, open, free and secure cyberspace.

The conclusions point out that cybersecurity is essential to build a resilient, green and digital Europe, setting strategic autonomy as a key objective while preserving an open economy, which includes strengthening the capacity to make autonomous choices in the area of cybersecurity to strengthen the EU’s digital leadership and strategic capabilities, the Council said in the note.

Among the measures foreseen in this strategy is the completion of the implementation of the EU toolbox measures and continuing the efforts to ensure the security of 5G networks and future generations of networks.

At the same time, the definition of a joint cyber unit that would provide a clear focus to the EU cybersecurity crisis management framework is foreseen and the implementation of a network of security operation centres across the Union to monitor and anticipate signals of network attacks.

The strategy also stipulates the need for a joint effort to accelerate the adoption of key internet security standards and support the development of strong encryption as a means to protect fundamental rights and digital security.

In the note, the Council encouraged the Commission and the High Representative to establish a detailed implementation plan with concrete information on the measures to be carried out in the coming years.

The Council will also monitor progress in implementing the conclusions through an action plan that will be regularly reviewed and updated, the framework adds.