Lawmakers at the European Commission have proposed a new cyber defence policy to tackle the continent’s "deteriorating security environment" since the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In a joint communication to the European Parliament and Council, officials argued that the invasion has been “a wake-up call for all questioning the EU’s approach to security and defence,” with “a growing number of cyberattacks targeting military and civilian critical infrastructure in the EU”. It specifically cites a number of attacks from state and non-state actors on energy networks, transportation, infrastructure and space assets.

The document’s publication comes after the EU Council tabled a proposal in May for a cyber defence policy.

The measures detailed include establishing an EU Cyber Defence Coordination Centre while also encouraging member states to actively participate in Military Computer Emergency Response Teams (MICNET). It also calls for the creation of a programme similar to MICNET for civilian cyber incident responders.

It says: “The lines between the civilian and military dimensions of cyberspace are blurred as seen in the recent attacks on energy networks, transport infrastructure and space assets. It also illustrates the interdependency between physical and digital infrastructure, and the potential for significant cybersecurity incidents to disrupt or damage critical infrastructure.

“It is a stark reminder that the EU needs close military and civilian cooperation in cyberspace to become a stronger security provider.”

Commenting on the 22-page document’s publication, European Commission vice president Josep Borrel said: "Cyber is the new domain in warfare. To be up to the challenges and threats ahead of us, we need modern and interoperable European armed forces equipped with the latest cyber defence capabilities."

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