The European Commission presented two plans on Thursday (10 November) to address the security situation that has been deteriorating since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These plans were intended to improve cyber defense and give armed forces greater freedom to cross border.
The EU executive stated that Russian cyberattacks against European Union countries and their allies was a wake-up call. It stated that it was necessary to take more actions to protect citizens and armed forces as well as cooperate with NATO.
Josep Borrell is the EU’s chief of foreign policy. He stated that “War is back at our border” and that Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine was undermining international peace and the rules-based system. To reveal his plans, he spoke at a news conference.
“It affects you, and we must adapt to this environment our defense policies.”
Separately, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg warned of growing cyberspace threats. As part of Russia’s war on Ukraine, he noted recent attacks against satellites, critical infrastructure and government departments.
The head of the US defense alliance said in Rome that Cyberspace was “a constantly contested space” that is subject to conflict and that it is difficult to distinguish between crisis and conflict.
“I appeal for allies to support cyber defense. Increased cooperation, expertise, and funding. This is an important part of our collective defense, and we all share it.”
CAPABILITIES
The European Commission would enhance EU cyber defense capabilities, and increase coordination and cooperation among civilian and military cyber communities.
This initiative is one of a series of measures the Commission proposed to improve EU cybersecurity, in light of recent cyberattacks on governments and businesses all over the globe.
ENISA, the EU’s cybersecurity agency, said last week that Ukraine’s invasion led to more serious and widespread cyberattacks within the EU in the past year.
A separate Action Plan on Military Mobility has been proposed by the Commission. This plan is designed to help EU countries and allies transport troops and equipment more efficiently. It also works towards “better connected infrastructure” as well as strengthening NATO co-operation.
For military forces to have an impact on ground, they must move fast. They can’t be held back by bureaucracy or a lack adaptable infrastructure,” Margrethe vestager, vice president, said at Thursday’s news conference.
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