A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed today that will establish closer cyber security cooperation across Europe.

Four European Union agencies and institutions signed the agreement, signalling their intention to maintain closer operational ties in an attempt to strengthen Europe’s cyber defences.

The agencies present at the signing of the MoU were:

• The European Union Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA)
• The European Defence Agency (EDA)
• Europol 
• Computer Emergency Response Team for EU Institutions, Agencies and Bodies (CERT-EU)

Increased Cooperation

This MoU aims to ‘leverage synergies’ between the four organisations, strengthening cooperation on cyber security and cyber defence and is testament to the lasting partnership that exists between the agencies involved.

Focusing on five main areas of cooperation, the MoU will seek to address the exchange of information, education and training, cyber exercises, technical cooperation and administrative matters. The collaboration of these agencies will ensure that no wires cross when reacting to cyber threats through increased, ongoing communication. Cooperation between the agencies involved will also provide for the better use of resources and bring varying forms of expertise and support under one framework.

Federica Mogherini, Vice-President and Head of the European Defence Agency, believes this move is in the best interests of citizens across Europe. Pooling resources and cooperating will provide a stronger cyber defence network for EU states and alleviate the pressure placed on individual organisations.

She said: “Europe is stronger when it tackles threats together, in a common and coordinated approach. And this is exactly where this Memorandum of Understanding is key and where the added value of the European Union lies: working together, joining forces, putting the experiences and the knowledge of all at the service of our citizens’ security.”

Strength in Numbers

Cyber threats have been increasing recently with a marked rise in both the number and severity of state-sponsored cyber attacks. In order to ensure Europe is protected by future threats, member states and EU institutions must cooperate on a scale never seen before.

In 2014, the Cyber Defence Policy framework called for the promotion of increased cooperation between EU institutions, agencies and also the private sector. These recommendations led the aforementioned agencies to begin initial discussions on collaboration in 2016, and ultimately let to this milestone agreement.

Steven Wilson, Head of Europol’s European Cybercrime Centre (EC3) said: “This MoU illustrates how a safe and open cyberspace can only be achieved through enhanced cooperation and commitment.

“Through their participation, all parties involved demonstrate that they are willing to join forces and recognise that together we can provide the necessary response to cyber related threats.”

Udo Helmbrecht, Executive Director of ENISA said he welcomes the MoU, adding that cyber security is a shared responsibility and must be taken seriously by all member states and institutions.

He said: “ENISA welcomes the opportunity to work closely with our partner organisations. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and it is only by cooperating closely with all relevant stakeholders that the EU has a chance to address cybersecurity challenges.”