Discussions in the EU Council on the pooling of cybersecurity expertise are definitely not straightforward. The round table discussion, which took place on Wednesday 13 November at the Committee of Permanent Representatives, did not provide a clear solution to the current blockage. The Finnish Presidency of the Council is now examining the options available to it.
According to our information, one of the most likely scenarios would be to continue discussions between Member States on the basis of the Commission's proposal, perhaps by taking the Horizon Europe programme out of it. In Autumn 2017, the European Commission proposed the creation of a centre for the pooling of investment in cybersecurity research, technology and industrial development and to provide financial support related to cybersecurity under the Horizon Europe and Digital Europe programmes (see EUROPE 12095/18). But this project was called into question following the common interpretation signed between the co-legislators on Horizon Europe (see EUROPE 12363/5).
Also according to our information, no vote took place at the ambassadors' meeting on 13 November. On the other hand, Member States reaffirmed their positions, some calling for a continuation on the basis of the proposal on the table, others for a lighter approach, while the latter suggested deferring to the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (see EUROPE 12367/18).
According to the schedule, two other technical meetings are planned: one on 20 November and the other on 27 November. The matter will be the subject of a 'miscellaneous' item, i.e. information from the Presidency, at the Telecommunications Council on 3 December. (Original version in French by Sophie Petitjean)