European Union High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell . File photoBRUSSELS, May 23.The Council of the EU on Monday approved conclusions on the development of the situation in the cyberspace of the European Union, in which, among other things, it invited the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell to develop proposals for expanding the instruments of sanctions for cybercrime by April 2023, follows from the published document. The EU Council calls on the High Representative, in cooperation with the European Commission, to identify possible joint EU responses to cyberattacks, including sanctions options across the spectrum, in order to prepare to take swift and effective steps if necessary, and present them to the Council by the end of the first quarter of 2023.» specified in the document.
Government sites in Estonia subjected to cyberattacksThe EU Council also invited the European Commission to develop common EU requirements for cybersecurity, and the EU Cybersecurity Agency (ENISA) and other organizations to formulate recommendations to strengthen the resilience of EU communication networks and infrastructure. The EU also noted the importance of «conducting regular cyberexercises» to test response measures. On May 17, 2019, the EU approved a framework that allows the imposition of sanctions for cyber attacks if threats are directed, among other things, against member states, third countries or international organizations. Restrictive measures include travel bans for persons in the EU and freezing of assets of individuals and legal entities. In addition, individuals and legal entities of the EU are prohibited from providing funds to those on the list. In mid-May, this regime was extended until May 18, 2025. «/>The EU continues to work on the sixth package of sanctions against Russia The list includes citizens and organizations from Russia, China and North Korea for cyber attacks that threaten the European Union and member states. The asset freeze and EU travel ban initially affected six individuals: four Russian citizens and two Chinese citizens, as well as three organizations from Russia, China and North Korea. On October 22 last year, the EU added two more Russian citizens and one organization to the sanctions list for a cyber attack on the Bundestag. Some time ago, the EU Foreign Service proposed to further strengthen the current EU sanctions regime for cyber attacks with new restrictive measures. It is also proposed to introduce such sanctions by a simple majority vote to speed up the process. At present, the approval of the sanctions list requires the unanimous support of all 27 EU states. WP spoke about the fear of the West to impose new sanctions against Russia
