Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of cyber-attacks against individuals and public institutions has increased sharply. According to Europol, criminals have exploited the crisis to carry out ransomware attacks in several Member States. Recently, in Italy, the Lazio Region has been hit by a ransomware cyber-attack which forced it to slow down the issuance of important documents. The sensitive data of thousands of citizens might have ended up in the hands of the hackers. These attacks appear to come from criminals, but also from public entities in third countries.

In view of this:

1. What specific measures have been taken by the Commission and organisations dealing with cybersecurity (ENISA, EDA, Europol and CERT-EU) to increase cybersecurity by protecting the sensitive data of citizens and institutions?

2. How does the Commission intend to ensure effective cooperation between these organisations and the new European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre (ECCC) based in Bucharest?

3. What measures will the Commission take to increase cooperation with NATO as regards the military cyber defence capability and to what extent can the planned European Defence Fund contribute to this?