Read the online version | ISSN 2600-3570

June 2024

Critical Infrastructure Resilience: News, Updates and Events

In this Issue

Introduction

In the Spotlight

Policy Updates

Networks & Cooperation

Research Findings & Uptake

Past Initiatives & Main Outcomes

Reports & Perspectives

Podcast Series

Upcoming Events

Introduction

Dear Colleague,

We hereby present to you the newsletter of the first half of 2024.

In the current geopolitical context, the EU critical infrastructure framework has been reinforced with a Critical Infrastructure Blueprint. The Blueprint has been agreed at EU level in the form of a Council Recommendation, which was adopted in June. This framework will improve the EU cooperation as regards response to significant critical infrastructure incidents with cross-border relevance, by facilitating the exchange of information between the affected Member States and EU institutions, by strengthening the coordination on public communication and the support in the effective response to such incidents.

The transposition of the CER Directive is on its way and Member States administrations are working hard to cross the finish line in October and have in place the national transposition measures that will enhance the resilience of critical entities operating critical infrastructure in the 11 sectors covered by the Directive, in the face of man-made and natural risks that could disrupt the provision of essential services in our society and economy. The Commission supports Member States in this process and the Critical Entities Resilience Group is proving to be a useful platform to discuss the challenges encountered and good practices.

Moreover, in late 2023, Member States finished conducting the stress tests of critical infrastructure in the energy sector. These focused mainly on intentional man-made threats such as sabotage and were based on scenarios and guidance formulated by JRC. The widespread participation and positive feedback by Member States and their infrastructure operators are considered a success. The reporting led to valuable insights on shared security challenges within the energy sector, paving the way for possible policy measures on further enhancing its resilience. Member States and the Commission will discuss what the options are in that regard.

The newsletter is a joint effort of the European Commission's Directorate-General Migration and Home Affairs (HOME) and Joint Research Centre (JRC). We take this opportunity to thank again the whole community for a productive first half of the year, in which we were able to expand our cooperation in this key area. We look forward to continuing this great work with stakeholders from Member States, operators and industry, international partners, as well as academia and civil society.

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

We invite you to flag your topics for the next editions by emailing us.

Happy reading,

The Editorial Team

Enhancing Ukraine's Critical Infrastructure

The Commission and Member States support the defence of Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, benefiting from mutual expertise.

News from the EU

Critical Infrastructure Blueprint for protecting EU citizens

The Council adopted a recommendation on a Blueprint to coordinate a response at EU level to disruptions to critical infrastructure with significant cross-border relevance.

EU improves Submarine Cable Security and Resilience

The Recommendation aimed at improving security and resilience of submarine cable infrastructures through a better coordination across the EU.

Towards the EU Critical Communication System (EUCCS)

EUCCS enhances the resilience of public communication infrastructure and ensures Europe’s capacity to react in times of crises.

Commission proposes new initiatives to strengthen Economic Security

The package promotes EU's competitiveness, protecting against risks and partnering with countries to advance shared economic security interests.

EC Communication on managing Climate Risks in Europe

It sets out how the EU can better anticipate, understand, and address growing climate risks, embedding them in planning and maintaining of CI.

A new EU Defence Industrial Strategy and Programme

The Strategy sets a long-term vision to achieve EU defence industrial readiness, while the legislative proposal aims to ensure the timely availability and supply of defence products.

News from outside EU

USA fortifies Cyber-Physical Resilience of CI

The report provides recommendations to support CI sectors and public-private partnership, broadening resilience initiatives.

Australia releases Critical Infrastructure Annual Risk Review

it summarises the key risk-driven issues affecting the security of national CI over the last year.

Networks & Cooperation

Coherent Resilience 2023 Baltic (CORE 23-B)

The TTX addressed critical energy infrastructure protection. It focused on maritime and offshore energy installations in Baltic Sea.

Towards a newer ECSCI community

EU-CIP will establish EU’s largest community, building over the existing European Cluster for Securing Critical infrastructures.

Climate Risk: guidance for Chiefs of Defence Staff

Climate change threatens capabilities and military operations. This guide offers a comprehensive roadmap to navigate the challenges.

The Plan describes how more resilient and efficient satellite position and timing can become the hidden utility that underpins many critical sectors in the EU.

The project contributes to the protection of maritime infrastructure, by enabling real-time monitoring of extensive areas with sensing solutions.

The report develops indicators for measuring the environmental footprint of electronic communication networks and equipment.

The project facilitates collaboration between public and private operators to ensure the cyber and physical security of soft targets and prevent terrorist scenarios.

Discover EU data and tools to counter terrorism through the new Knowledge Hub. It provides with all relevant information in a one-stop-shop.

CERIS INFRA Workshop

It involved operators, public authorities and researchers, providing an outlook of upcoming CER Directive requirements and the role of security research in the implementation.

Critical Infrastructure Protection Course 2023

The training provided participants a better understanding of the Critical Entities Resilience (CER) framework. It also facilitated the exchange of best practices.

Galileo Timing Receivers standardization for CIR

The workshop presented the standard for Galileo Timing Receivers, confirming its relevance for critical infrastructure resilience.

Reports & Perspectives

Progress Report on the EU Security Union Strategy

The report provides an overview of the implementation of the Security Union Strategy. It takes stock of progress and achievements, including CI.

Global Methodology for Infrastructure Resilience Review

It supports countries in assessing the current state of infrastructure resilience, in order to identify areas requiring improvement and take appropriate actions.

Resilience report on EU Communications Infrastructure

It develops EU strategic risk scenarios to gain access to the infrastructure or through a coordinated physical sabotage on digital infrastructure.

Progress on the Strategic Compass 2024

Two years after its adoption, the EU and Member States have continued to make significant progress in its implementation.

The Global Risks Report 2024

It explores the global risk landscape, including disruptions to critical infrastructure. It analyses the most severe risks to economies and societies over the next decade.

NATO Climate Change and Security Impact Assessment

It sets out the effects of climatic hazards on security, including regional assessments and specific case studies, and outlining the consequences.

Let’s talk EU Space

The podcast presents the applications and benefits that the EU Space Programme helps achieve.

The Europol Podcast

The series focuses on relevant operations Europol has supported, and how it continues to fight crime.

Launch of ‘Critical Infrastructure Protection Week’ in Europe

The first ‘CIP Week’ will host the ‘Critical Infrastructure Protection and Resilience Europe’ and ‘EU- CIP Horizon Project’ conferences as part of the initiative.

date

12/11/2024 - 14/11/2024

venue

Madrid, Spain

65th ESReDA Seminar on Managing Risks with Knowledge

The seminar aims to identify the enablers and barriers to the production of knowledge concerning safety risks and resilience and its effectiveness in decision-making and other management and operational activities.