European Commission Proposes New EU Blueprint to Reinforce Cybersecurity Crisis Management Across Member States

On 24 February 2025, the European Commission submitted a proposal for a Council Recommendation outlining an EU Blueprint for cybersecurity crisis management.

This non-binding recommendation sets out a clear framework to help member states and EU bodies manage cyber crises effectively. The proposal provides guidance on using tools such as the Cybersecurity Emergency Mechanism and the EU Cybersecurity Reserve, ensuring that responses to cyber incidents are swift and coordinated.

Cyber Blueprint - Draft Council Recommendation

The objective of this draft Council Recommendation on the EU Blueprint for cybersecurity crisis management (Cyber Blueprint) is to present, in a clear, simple and accessible manner, the EU framework for cyber crisis management.

Shaping Europe’s digital future

Building on Past Lessons

The new proposal updates the 2017 framework for coordinated cyber crisis response by incorporating lessons learned from Union-level exercises. These exercises have revealed practical challenges that can occur during a cyber emergency.

As a result, the blueprint includes revised procedures and actionable recommendations designed to improve both the speed and the efficiency of crisis response. The updated guidance reflects the latest trends in cyber threats and the practical needs of member states.

Uniting Civilian and Military Efforts

A notable feature of the proposal is its call for closer cooperation between civilian authorities and military actors, including enhanced collaboration with NATO. By bringing these groups together, the blueprint aims to foster a more unified approach to managing cyber crises.

The proposed framework seeks to improve the sharing of information and resources during emergencies, ensuring that both public and private sectors benefit from a cohesive strategy. This integration is intended to help reduce the risks associated with cyber incidents.

Enhancing Coordination Across the EU

The blueprint also focuses on strengthening coordination among EU-level entities by leveraging existing mechanisms such as the Cybersecurity Emergency Mechanism.

The proposal encourages member states to align their national crisis management plans with the broader EU framework. This approach is designed to ensure that when a cyber crisis strikes, all parts of the Union are prepared to respond in unison.

By outlining clear roles and procedures, the recommendation aims to boost overall crisis preparedness and foster better cooperation across borders.

The European Commission’s proposal is a timely effort to improve how the EU manages cyber incidents.