The European Commission proposes to strengthen the protection of its critical energy infrastructure. This recommendation comes after the probable sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines.
Infrastructures under surveillance
The Commission believes that Member States should give priority to energy, digital, transport and space infrastructure. It also states that these should improve preparedness and response to attacks. Thus, the objective is to increase international cooperation.
The Commission Recommendation encourages Member States to accelerate the stress tests of entities operating critical infrastructure. The European executive is focusing in particular on energy-related infrastructure. The European states rushed to protect the energy infrastructure following the leakage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines.
The importance of a coordinated response
The European Commission advises national authorities on how to conduct these tests. In addition, she is studying how best to protect against physical or cyber threats. Thus, the objective is to ensure a coordinated approach of the European Union.
The institution is seeking to establish guidelines on the cooperation required in the event of an incident disrupting the European Union’s internal market. In addition, the European Commission is considering how best to handle an incident involving submarine cables. Finally, the recommendation also calls for greater coordination with international partners, including NATO.
Critical areas
The Commission’s objective is to accelerate and complete the measures in the critical entity legislation. Brussels is paying particular attention to those that are expected to come into force in late 2022 or early 2023. Proposed in 2020 in response to Covid, this new legislation charges governments with identifying critical entities in various sectors.
The Commission counts among these sectors, energy, banking, drinking water or public administration. Other entities complete the list such as electrical networks, hospitals or sewage systems. Finally, Ursula von der Leyen presented the proposal to EU leaders at a summit in Brussels.
