EU Council Pushes for a Stronger ENISA Amid Growing Cyber Threats

The European Union is stepping up its cybersecurity game. At the initiative of the Hungarian presidency, the Council of the European Union has approved a set of conclusions aimed at bolstering the role of ENISA, the EU’s cybersecurity agency. These recommendations come as the bloc faces an increasingly complex cyber threat landscape and amid ongoing discussions to revise the Cybersecurity Act (CSA).

For Zoltán Kovács, Hungarian Minister of State for International Communication and Relations, the significance of ENISA’s work is crystal clear, "The importance of ENISA can hardly be underestimated in tackling cybersecurity threats, which have significantly increased in level, complexity, and scale these last years. This comprehensive set of conclusions will help us build a robust and resilient digital space in Europe."

The Council’s conclusions recognize that ENISA has become an indispensable force in Europe’s fight against cyber threats. The agency’s responsibilities have expanded rapidly in recent years, thanks to legislative efforts like the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the updated Network and Information Systems (NIS 2) Directive. These frameworks have tasked ENISA with a host of new challenges, from spearheading cybersecurity certification initiatives to coordinating responses to large-scale cyber crises.

The Council has made it clear that if ENISA is to keep up with its growing workload, it needs more resources. However, the conclusions also emphasize the importance of smart prioritization. It’s not just about doing more; it’s about doing the right things—and doing them well.

Streamlining Europe’s Cybersecurity Efforts

To ensure ENISA can deliver on its increasingly ambitious mandate, the Council has put forward a series of recommendations:

• Focus on Certification: Accelerate the development of European cybersecurity certification schemes to harmonize standards across member states.
• Simplify Reporting: Establish a single reporting platform to streamline how cyber incidents are reported and managed.
• Enhance Cooperation: Deepen ties with key partners, including the European Commission, the European External Action Service (EEAS), and the Computer Security Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs).

ENISA’s role in building situational awareness and coordinating responses to cyber crises was also spotlighted. The Council urged further collaboration with networks like EU-CyCLONe and CERT-EU, as well as private sector stakeholders and international partners, to create a more unified approach to cybersecurity.

Cyber threats aren’t just growing—they’re evolving, becoming more sophisticated and harder to combat. ENISA’s role as Europe’s cybersecurity nerve center has never been more critical. These Council conclusions aren’t just bureaucratic niceties; they’re a recognition of the urgency to shore up Europe’s digital defenses.

As the CSA undergoes evaluation, the Council’s recommendations set the stage for a stronger, more agile ENISA. With the right resources and strategic focus, the agency is poised to play a leading role in ensuring Europe’s cybersecurity ecosystem is fit for the future.

The GRC Report is your premier destination for the latest in governance, risk, and compliance news. As your reliable source for comprehensive coverage, we ensure you stay informed and ready to navigate the dynamic landscape of GRC. Beyond being a news source, the GRC Report represents a thriving community of professionals who, like you, are dedicated to GRC excellence. Explore our insightful articles and breaking news, and actively participate in the conversation to enhance your GRC journey.