Four EU cybersecurity organisations have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a framework for co-operation.
The four EU cybersecurity organisations in question are the Computer Emergency Response Team for the EU Institutions, Agencies and Bodies (CERT-EU), the European Defence Agency (EDA), the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) and Europol. Today, representatives from each organisation signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) which will establish a framework for co-operation.
The organisations will take advantage of synergies which already exist in their work, with the MoU framework focusing on five specific areas of co-operation:
- Cyber exercises;
- Education and training;
- Intelligence exchange;
- Strategic and administrative matters; and
- Technical co-operation.
These four EU cybersecurity organisations aim to make the best possible use of existing resources, as by increasing their level of co-operation they can take advantage of competences and avoid duplicating efforts. It will also take advantage of the complementary competences of the EDA, ENISA, Europol and CERT-EU.
How have stakeholders reacted?
The European Commission responded extremely positively to this increase in co-operation between cybersecurity authorities, particularly in light of growing cyber threats which are constantly evolving in nature. Commission High Representative Federica Mogherini – also head of the European Defence Agency – explained that more action is needed at a European level to tackle changing cyber threats.
She said: “Cyberspace threats do not know of national borders. Co-operation 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. This is exactly where this memorandum of understanding is key… Working together, joining forces, [and] putting the experiences and the knowledge of all at the service of our citizens’ security.”
Steven Wilson, head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre, added that all of the signatories to the MoU had demonstrated their commitment to increased security by forging the agreement. He stated: “This MoU illustrates how a safe and open cyberspace can only be achieved through enhanced cooperation and commitment. Through their participation, all parties involved demonstrate that they are willing to join forces and recognise that together we can provide the necessary response to cyber-related threats.”
