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Cybersecurity: EU launches first phase of deployment of the European infrastructure of cross-border security operations centres

The Commission, in coordination with the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC), is launching a call for expression of interest to select entities in Member States which will host and operate cross-border cyber threat detection platforms, each bringing together relevant public entities from several Member States, as well as private entities.

Announced in the 2020 European Cybersecurity Strategy, and more detailed recently in the Joint Communication on European Cyber Defence Policy, this is the first phase in the creation of a cross-border infrastructure of European Security Operations Centres (SOC), powered by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies.

Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age, said:

A secure cyberspace is the foundation of our digital lives, the digital economy and the EU’s sovereignty. This new European infrastructure is indispensable to build the foundation, and thanks to the future solidarity mechanism, it will be deployed on an even larger scale.

Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, said:

Detection speed is a key factor in responding to cyber threats. With the deployment of a European SOC infrastructure, we are improving response times and facilitating cooperation to achieve a true European cyber shield. 

Cross-border Security Operations Centres will procure cyber threat detection tools and services together with the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre, which will initially contribute with EUR 30 million under the Digital Europe programme. The programme will also fund up to EUR 72,5 million in grants for cyber threat detection, following a recently opened call for proposals.

Centres or platforms may also apply for such grants, with the aim to complement the investment resulting from joint procurement with the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre.

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