Critical Infrastructure Security,
Security Operations
New Cyber Blueprint Enhances Coordination Against Disruptive Cyber Attacks
In a proactive measure against potential transnational cyber incidents, Europe is establishing a framework to enhance collective responses to multifaceted cybersecurity threats. This initiative comes in light of increasing dangers posed by sophisticated and state-sponsored attackers.
See Also: How Effective is Your E-mail Security? | OnDemand Workshop
On June 6, 2025, the Council of the European Union officially endorsed a crisis management initiative designed to bolster the continent’s preparedness against hybrid threats. The recently unveiled EU Cyber Blueprint aims to facilitate joint efforts among member states and EU institutions to effectively manage crises that threaten critical infrastructure and public safety.
According to Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Technology Sovereignty, the Cyber Blueprint serves as a practical resource for EU bodies and member states to collaborate in anticipating and responding to cyber emergencies.
This development is particularly timely, as recent reports indicate heightened cyber threats originating from state-sponsored groups, including those from Russia and China. Microsoft has identified a persistent threat landscape targeting key European countries, including Germany, the United Kingdom, and France, emphasizing the need for coordinated defense strategies.
Additionally, the Dutch government, in partnership with Microsoft, recently highlighted a hacking campaign attributed to a new Russian group focusing its activities on European and NATO assets. This showcases the evolving nature of cyber threats and the urgency for comprehensive readiness among EU nations.
The Cyber Blueprint specifically recommends enhanced coordination among national Computer Incident Response Teams (CIRTs) through the EU-CyCLONe network, aimed at identifying and addressing cybersecurity incidents before they escalate. It advocates for the sharing of intelligence regarding vulnerabilities and attack tactics to better thwart potential threats.
The operational effectiveness of CIRTs and the EU-CyCLONe network will be overseen by ENISA, the EU Agency for Cybersecurity, which aims to strengthen cooperative security measures within the community. This initiative aligns with the recently implemented Network and Information Systems Directive 2, which mandates timely incident reporting for IT providers in sectors critical to public safety and infrastructure.
