What is the problem? The challenges ahead are neither specific to the European Union (EU), nor can they be overcome by the EU on its own. The pervasiveness of ICT and of the Internet allows more efficient, effective and economic communication, coordination and cooperation among stakeholders and results in a vibrant ecosystem of innovation in all fields of life. However, threats can now originate from anywhere in the world and, due to global interconnectedness, impact any part of the world.

Why is EU action required? To fight effectively against these threats and to address global interdependencies, we need stronger cooperation among Member States and the private sector at national, European and international level.

What are the Commission's plans?

2 main strands of action:

• Within the EU: creation of a European Forum to stimulate discussion between national public authorities, especially about better integration of national risk management policies and of a European Public-Private Partnership for Resilience to engage the private sector in increasing the level of security of our digital environment.
• Transatlantic cooperation: consolidate EU-US relations around the Commission plan to improve the resilience and stability of Internet & discuss how to leverage public private partnerships to guarantee the security and resilience of global communication and information networks.

In 2010:

• continue policy dialogue and exchange of information practices with the US, and participate in Cyberstorm III exercise as an observer.

In 2011:

• promote the development of globally-agreed principles for the stability and resilience of the Internet by establishing strategic international partnerships with key third countries, as well as by promoting the discussion in international fora..

In 2012:

• organise a cyber security month synchronised with the US cyber security month.

Events

The last EU-US Summit of November 2010 established a "EU-US Working Group on Cyber-security and Cyber-crime", as a further important step towards enhanced international cooperation

Contact:

michael.niebel@ec.europa.eu