EU organisations sign agreement to improve cyber defence

Four European Union (EU) organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance cooperation on cyber security and cyber defence.

The organisations are the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA), the European Defence Agency (EDA), Europol and the Computer Emergency Response Team for the EU Institutions, Agencies and Bodies (CERT-EU).

The cooperation framework primarily focuses on five major areas of cooperation, exchange of information, education and training, cyber exercises, technical cooperation, and strategic and administrative matters.

EDA high representative / vice-president and head Federica Mogherini said: “Cyberspace threats do not know of national borders. Cooperation among member states but also at European level is therefore essential.

“Europe is stronger when it tackles threats together, in a common and coordinated approach. And this is exactly where this MoU is key and where the added value of the European Union lies: working together, joining forces, putting the experiences and the knowledge of all at the service of our citizens’ security.”

Under the MoU, ENISA, EDA, EUROPOL and CERT-EU will together ensure the best possible use of existing resources by avoiding duplicative efforts.

This agreement adds value to the expertise, support and services the three organisations provide to the EU organisations, member states and all stakeholders concerned.

ENISA executive director Dr Udo Helmbrecht said: “ENISA welcomes the opportunity to work closely with our partner organisations.

“Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and it is only by cooperating closely with all relevant stakeholders that the EU has a chance to address cybersecurity challenges.”

In 2016, the parties began initial discussions on cyber security cooperation. The current MoU is in line with the implementation of the Joint Communication on Cyber issued by the High Representative and the European Commission in September last year.