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(BRUSSELS) – New rules to strengthen the security of network and information systems throughout Europe are due to enter into force in August, after the EU formally gave its green light on Tuesday.
The network and information security (NIS) directive will increase cooperation between member states on the vital issue of cybersecurity. It lays down security obligations for operators of essential services (in critical sectors such as energy, transport, health and finance) and for digital service providers (online marketplaces, search engines and cloud services). Each EU country will also be required to designate one or more national authorities and to establish a strategy for dealing with cyber threats.
The Netherlands presidency together with the EU Agency for Network and Information Security (ENISA) says it has already started preparing the implementation of the directive. A first informal meeting of the network of Computer security incident response teams (CSIRT) set up under the directive took place in The Hague on 5 April, followed by a second meeting in Riga on 10 May.
The Council position at first reading confirmed the agreement reached with the European Parliament in December 2015. To conclude the procedure, the legal act still has to be approved by the European Parliament at second reading. The directive is expected to enter into force in August 2016.
Further information
Network and information security – Council position at first reading
