On 12th June the European Parliament (EP) adopted the report (573 for, 90 against, 26 abstentions), drafted by Ivailo Kalfin, on behalf of Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE), at the Plenary in Strasbourg. This is an own initiative report seeking a motion for an EP resolution.

Report on critical information infrastructure protection – achievements and next steps: towards global cyber-security (2011/2284(INI))

Technology plays an ever increasing role in the every day lives of European Union (EU) citizens whether in communications, transportation, energy, health, entertainment or finance and banking. Regarding the letter, the chaos which can result from a technological breakdown was illustrated recently by the problems experienced by customers of the Royal Bank of Scotland and its subsidiaries.

Much of this computer-based technology is dependent on the internet so security of the internet stands as one of the highest political priorities for the EU and the rest of the world. "The EU 2020 Strategy, launched in 2010, included the EU Digital Agenda as a flagship policy, setting ambitious goals for the technological development of the European Union. The increasing use and deployment of innovative ICT technologies, such as fast and ultra-fast fixed and mobile internet and cellular networks, smart grids, but also internet services, such as cloud computing and the Internet of Things, all rely on one simple, but crucial aspect: security, resilience and trust." (Kalfin Report)

It was with this in mind that in March 2009 the European Commission adopted a Communication on Critical Information Infrastructure Protection (CIIP) – ‘Protecting Europe from large scale cyber-attacks and cyberdisruptions with the aim of enhancing the EU's preparedness, security and resilience, called the CIIP action plan. "The CIIP action plan is built on five pillars: preparedness and prevention, detection and response, mitigation and recovery, international cooperation and criteria for European Critical Infrastructures in the field of ICT. It sets out the work to be done under each pillar by the Commission, the Member States and/or industry, with the support of the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA)." (COM(2011) 163)

On 8th May ITRE adopted the own initiative report, drafted by Ivailo Kalfin (51 for, 7 against, 0 abstentions), which was broadly in favour with the Commission's proposal with recommendations in the following areas:

I. Measures to reinforce CIIP at national and Union level:

II. Further EU activities for robust internet security:

III. International Cooperation:

The Report can be read here

Or alternatively visit the website: http://www.europarl.europa.eu

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