On Thursday 7 December, the European Parliament’s Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) adopted the report by Lina Gálvez Muñoz (S&D, Spanish) on the EU Cyber Solidarity Act (43 votes in favour, 10 against, 1 abstention) (see EUROPE 13164/1). The negotiating mandate with the EU Council has also been approved, and the Parliament will vote on the report at its next plenary session, starting on 11 December in Strasbourg.
“Increased cooperation will be essential to guarantee cybersecurity in the EU. This proposal stems from the need to increase cooperation between Member States and to strengthen the EU’s capacity to be better prepared for cyberattacks, which are increasing in number, intensity and regularity throughout the EU”, commented the rapporteur.
The Parliament introduced several amendments to the Commission’s proposal. During future interinstitutional negotiations (‘trilogues’), the Parliament is expected to push for capacity-building for regional and national public services and infrastructure, where it highlights a lack of financial resources.
Emphasis should also be placed on the resilience of small and medium-sized enterprises and on increasing collaboration between Member States and the private sector. Particular attention should be paid, during negotiations, to the ‘sustainable’ aspect of financing. The Parliament’s position also provides for measures to better involve and inform citizens.
Future negotiations between the European Parliament and the EU Council should also cover the role of the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) and the establishment of the network of Security Operations Centres (‘SOCs’). On 5 December, several Member States called for duplication with existing legislation or structures to be avoided (see EUROPE 13307/2).
The question of the future cybersecurity reserve, which would be tasked with intervening, at the request of a Member State, EU institution, body or agency in the event of a major or large-scale cybersecurity incident, will also be central to the negotiations. (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)