A few days after the G7 Foreign Ministers (see EUROPE 12231/21), it is the EU's turn to call for better international cooperation in the fight against cyber threats.
Europeans are concerned about the increase in malicious actions taking place in cyberspace, including intellectual property theft. They regularly highlight threats originating from China or Russia.
“In order to maintain an open, stable and secure cyberspace, it is incumbent on the international community to redouble its efforts in combatting malicious cyber acts and to ensure the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) by applying existing international law in cyberspace and by adhering to the standards, rules and principles of responsible behaviour of Member States”, warned the EU and its Member States in a statement by the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. This statement, which was published on Friday 12 April, also highlights the need for a cyberspace that respects human rights, fundamental freedoms and the Rule of law.
Underlining their concern about the increase in malicious acts “aimed at undermining the integrity, security and economic competitiveness of the EU”, the Union and Twenty-Eight call on those responsible to put an end to these malicious activities.
“Determined” to act and neutralise these activities, Europeans say they are “willing to consolidate cooperation with partners at an international level”. They are therefore inviting their partners to strengthen international cooperation and promote security and stability in cyberspace.
Beyond this cooperation, the EU and Twenty-Eight are urging non-Member States not to “knowingly allow their territory to be used for malicious computer activities, as indicated in the 2015 report” by the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts on Developments in the Field of Information and Telecommunications in the Context of International Security (UNGGE).
As for the EU, it is currently working on a regime of horizontal sanctions, following the conclusions of the European Council of 18 October (see EUROPE 12120/5). According to a European source, the cyber working part of the EU Council has negotiated the policy framework for the sanctions regime and work is ongoing in the form of a ‘RELEX’ working party concentrating on the decision and the legal framework (see EUROPE 12192/31).
In addition, representatives of the European Commission and the EU Council will discuss this on Tuesday 16 April with MEPs in plenary session under the topic of "Protecting the integrity of European elections, in particular with regard to international threats to cyber security".
See the declaration by the High Representative on behalf of the EU: https://bit.ly/2IiBoRD (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)