Answer given by Mr Avramopoulos on behalf of the Commission
29.9.2017
The recent Cyber Security Communication[1] highlights that protecting society from cyber attacks requires resilient systems, deterrence of cyber criminals and international efforts to provide strong defence.
Concerning resilient systems, the Commission has proposed to strengthen the mandate for the European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) and supports the transposition of the directive on security of network and information systems (NIS Directive)[2], due in May 2018.
Focusing on deterrence, awareness-raising projects and initiatives such as Europol`s online helpdesk ‘No more ransom!’ help to protect society. EU legislation such as the ‘Attacks against Information Systems Directive’[3] or the proposed ‘Non-cash payment fraud Directive’[4] aim to deter cyber criminals.
In May 2017, the Commission set out its ideas how to improve law enforcement access to cross-border electronic evidence. The practical measures (e.g. the creation of a secure online portal for the communication between EU judicial authorities, the creation of single points of contact of both law enforcement and Internet service providers or the EUR 500 000 funding for training programmes regarding the cooperation with U.S.-based providers) are being implemented. Concrete proposals will be presented in early 2018.
To improve international cooperation, the Commission strongly supports the Council of Europe Budapest Convention on Cybercrime[5] as well as public-private partnerships and cooperation mechanisms through dedicated projects.