Cyber solidarity act

Russia's war against Ukraine has revealed the extent of our dependency on digital technology and the fragility of the digital space. It has triggered a surge in cyberattacks that have been particularly disruptive when targeting critical infrastructure – such as energy, health or finance – because of the increasing reliance on information technology, rendering this infrastructure all the more vulnerable. Against this backdrop, the Commission has proposed a regulation on a cyber solidarity act that would address the urgent need to strengthen solidarity and EU capacities to detect, prepare for and respond to cybersecurity threats and incidents. The proposed regulation envisages the establishment of a framework based on three pillars. The first is a European cyber shield – a platform of national and cross-border security operations centres. The second is a cybersecurity emergency mechanism that would support – including financially – preparedness, response and mutual assistance actions among Member States by creating a European cybersecurity reserve of trusted providers. The third is a cybersecurity incident review mechanism to assess and review significant or large-scale incidents. In Parliament, the file was assigned to the Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), where Lina Gálvez Muñoz (S&D, Spain) was appointed rapporteur. The Council and the Parliament are currently in negotiations to finalise the text. Second edition. The 'EU Legislation in Progress' briefings are updated at key stages throughout the legislative procedure.