Policy options to protect critical infrastructure

The Commission has adopted a Green Paper with different policy options to protect member states’ critical infrastructure against terrorist attacks or natural disasters.

As a response to the potential threat of terrorist attacks on critical infrastructures such as government buildings, chemical plants or nuclear facilities, the EU is preparing a “European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection” (EPCIP). It also intends to set up a “Critical Infrastructure Warning Information Network” (CIWIN).

The Green Paper presents several policy options and tries to define the role of the EPCIP. It asks questions about the definition of critical infrastructure, the issue of subsidiarity (how much of this protection should be a national responsibility and how much should be done at European level?), the role of a possible single overseeing body and the role of the critical infrastructure owners, operators and users.

The Commission is asking stakeholders for feedback on these questions and will prepare an EPCIP policy package on the basis of this consultation during 2006.

Read more with Euractiv

Ferrero-Waldner: Neighbourhood Policy proving its worth

The Commission has expressed satisfaction over the European Neighbourhood Policy's progress last year, and is preparing to move the process forward.