EU Updates Cyberdefense Policy Framework, Prioritizes Exercises, Cooperation - Release

BRUSSELS (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 20th November, 2018) The Council of the European Union adopted on Monday an updated version of the EU Cyberdefence Policy Framework, having set several priority areas, such as cyberdefense capabilities development, military drills, and enhancement of civil and military cooperation, the council said in a press release.

On October 18, the European Council stressed the necessity to build strong cybersecurity within the bloc, emphasizing the importance of raising the capability to respond to cyberattacks. The updated version of the document aims at developing EU cyberdefense policy, taking into account the changing security challenges. The document specifies the priority spheres of the cyberdefense, while it also "clarifies the roles of the different European actors."

"A Primary role of this policy framework is the development of cyberdefense capabilities, as well as the protection of the EU CSDP [Common Security and Defence Policy] communication and information networks.

Other priority areas include: training and exercises, research and technology, civil-military cooperation and international cooperation," the document read.

The document also stresses the importance of adequately addressing cyberthreats during exercises in order to "improve the EU's ability to react to cyber and hybrid crises by improving decision-making procedures and availability of information."

"Civil-military cooperation in cyberfield is key to ensure a coherent response to cyberthreats," the document stipulates.

At their meeting held in Brussels on October 18, the EU leaders focused on combating cyberwarfare, pledging to strengthen EU "deterrence" and 'resilience" against various kinds of threats. The participants of the summit also voiced the need to adopt "all cybersecurity proposals" before May 2019, when the elections to the European Parliament will be held.