The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, on behalf of the EU and its Member States, strongly condemned, on Thursday 7 December, malicious cyber activities targeting democratic institutions and electoral processes.
Earlier in the day, the UK had accused the Russian security services of conducting a sustained campaign of cyber espionage against politicians, journalists and NGOs.
In a statement, the High Representative warned that the EU and its Member States were closely monitoring any attempts of cyber-attacks on their democratic processes, especially in the context of the forthcoming European elections.
“As pressure is mounting on democracy globally, we continue assisting and working with partners against these ongoing cyber threats”, he added.
Mr Borrell warned that the European Union and its Member States had a responsibility and were determined to protect and defend their electoral and political processes. “We remain vigilant and ready to undertake any action necessary from the EU Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox, including sanctions to prevent and respond to unacceptable cyber-attacks”, he stressed.
See the statement: https://aeur.eu/f/a0y (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)