This study comes into play by presenting a detailed assessment of existing protection for CIs in the EU, as provided by Directive 2008/114/EC, and its implementation at national level. Mindful that different approaches exist to improve the security of CIs, encompassing not only procedures and operations but also the design of CIs themselves, this study will also aim to provide an overview of initiatives such as personnel training, security-by-design and other key developments resulting from EU partners’ experiences. Through open sources and desk research, the evolving scenario of threats to CIs is addressed, with its peculiar vulnerabilities being linked to the increasing interdependence and connection of CIs.

The study’s final objective lies in contributing to a more comprehensive and flexible approach for the protection and resilience of CIs. To do so, the conclusion provides local, national and EU institutional actors with suggestions on concrete actions to be undertaken with a view to improving existing levels of provisions.