Malicious cyber-attacks are assaults on all EU citizens, warn Renew Europe

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Date: June 09, 2021

In light of the recent cyberattacks against EU institutions and Member States, including Ireland, Finland, France and Belgium, the European Parliament is today debating how to adequately respond to cyber threats in the EU in plenary. The debate was successfully initiated by Renew Europe. With cyber-threats rapidly evolving in nature and sophistication, Renew Europe believes that it is imperative to diverge from fragmented regulation within the Union and unite behind the creation of a joint European cyber security policy.

Renew Europe is a driving force in many related legislative files such as NIS2 which is negotiated under the leadership of MEP Bart Groothuis, as well as the EU's Cybersecurity Strategy for the Digital Decade, voted on Wednesday, where MEP Christophe Grudler successfully represented the group in the negotiations.

MEP Billy Kelleher (Ireland/Fianna Fáil Party) said: “The ongoing cyberattack on Ireland’s health system, and similar attacks in other Member States, is a stark reminder of how fragile and at risk our public systems are from the malicious actions of criminals and rogue nations. Europe must respond decisively and collectively. Sadly, there are many seeking to undermine European citizens’ trust in our democracies by attacking and destabilising Member States’ public health systems. These countries and organisations must be resisted at all costs.”

MEP Christophe Grudler (France/Mouvement Démocrate) says: "While digitalisation is a key strategic priority for the Union we see the many weaknesses of our current, fragmentised cybersecurity measures across the Union and what consequences it brings. To protect the European democracy, European Citizens, European Businesses and Member States from future cyberattacks, Renew Europe calls on the Commission and the Member States to increase European cooperation in this field, including the development of secure and reliable network and information systems, infrastructure and connectivity across the Union."

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