In this 26th edition of Government Europa Quarterly, the need for technology to respond to evolving cyber threats in the wake of ongoing campaigns of misinformation, fraud and attacks on critical and digital infrastructure is under the spotlight.
The need to address evolving cyber threats is particularly vital in the wake of the digitisation of many public service across EU member states as part of the bloc’s push towards a digital single market. Recent initiatives such as WiFi4EU – which will fund the installation and implementation of free Wi-Fi connectivity across Europe – and a digitisation initiative with the EU’s partner nations in the Western Balkans are supporting this drive.
Meanwhile, the EU’s long-term priorities have emerged in the form of its proposal for the next multiannual financial framework. The overall increase in budget proposed by the European Commission has raised eyebrows from those who question the need for higher national contributions in the wake of Brexit, but has been vigorously defended by the commission.
How is the EU pursuing digitisation and innovation while maintaining cyber security?
- The European Defence Agency’s Salvador Llopis Sanchez introduces this edition by discussing the impact that cyber strategies could have on all aspects of defence;
- Hans de Vries, head of the Netherlands’ National Cyber Security Centre, details how government agencies can tackle cyber threats;
- Despina Spanou, director of DG Connect’s Digital Society, Trust and Cybersecurity Directorate, details the digitisation of the transport sector;
- Rikke Hougaard Zeberg from Denmark’s Agency for Digitisation talks about how societies are changing in response to new technologies; and
- Tanium’s Matt Ellard warns of the vulnerability healthcare providers and organisations face from evolving cyber threats.
What are the EU’s priority sectors in pursuing a sustainable future?
- European Commissioner for Research, Science and Innovation Carlos Moedas tells GEQ about his policy ambitions, and how these are supporting science and digitisation;
- European Commissioner for Employment Marianne Thyssen writes on pensions and the challenges of ensuring retirement for citizens in light of Europe’s ageing population;
- The European Water Association’s Johannes Lohaus explores his work to promote sustainability in the water sector through legislation, regulation and collaboration; and
- Henrik Hololei, director general of DG MOVE, expanded on the commission’s vision for safe, clean and connected mobility at the Transport Research Arena 2018 conference.
