Cyber security agency given green light by Council 

The Telecoms Council on 20 November agreed to set up a European Network and Information Security Agency ENISA. The agency will serve as a "centre of competence where both Member States and EU Institutions can seek advice on matters relating to cyber security." The aim of the new expert task force is to avert cyber attacks on key European installations.

Although all countries face similar issues in the areas of network and information security, no systematic cross-border co-operation or information exchange has existed so far between the EU Member States. ENISA will now act as a knowledge centre to assist Member States in their efforts to improve security.

ENISA will have the following tasks:

• To advise Member States and the Commission and co-ordinate activities;
• To raise awareness among citizens, businesses and administrations of the risks involved in using the internet and information systems;
• To carry out risk assessment and risk management, follow developments in research and standardise co-operation efforts with industry.

The Commission had tabled its draft regulation for the agency in February (see ) and the Parliament adopted a compromise text on 19 November. Now that both the Council and the Parliament have approved the proposal, the agency can start operating in early 2004. It will initially be based in Brussels.