VP/HR — Cooperation on cybersecurity between the EU and Taiwan

7.9.2017

Question for written answer E-005581-17
to the Commission (Vice-President/High Representative)
Rule 130
Anna Elżbieta Fotyga (ECR)

Despite the EU Member States’ increasing cyber defence capacities, cybersecurity still remains one of the greatest challenges as it comprises an array of new threats.

Last week, the heads of EU representations stated that the ICT networks of EU institutions were also being permanently penetrated by Chinese hackers. NATO experts believe that state actors, particularly the Russian Federation and the People’s Republic of China, are among the most dangerous players in cyberspace.

In order to combat such threats, it is necessary to strengthen Member States’ capacities and to cooperate with other organisations, such as NATO and experienced partners. One such partner is Taiwan. This country successfully counters the permanent attacks launched by mainland China. Taiwanese experience in this regard seems to be particularly significant. This country is the world’s major player in the field of IT and new technologies.

What are the plans for expanding cooperation between the EU and Taiwan as regards cybersecurity, including for their participation in the CODE exercise at the end of the year?