**Title: EU Must Shift from Reacting to Preventing Hybrid Threats, Says Raouna**
**Strasbourg** – In a significant address to the European Parliament on Wednesday, Marilena Raouna, Deputy Minister for European Affairs of Cyprus, emphasized the urgent need for the European Union (EU) to transition from a reactive stance to a proactive approach in addressing hybrid threats. Speaking during a plenary session focused on the protection of EU citizens' data, Raouna highlighted the escalating sophistication of cyberattacks and the pressing concerns they pose to both the public and private sectors.
Raouna articulated that the current landscape of hybrid threats, which encompasses a range of malicious activities including cyberattacks, foreign information manipulation, economic coercion, and sabotage, requires a unified response from EU member states. "In today’s environment of hybrid threats and escalating cybercrime, member states are stronger when they stand united," she stated, underscoring the importance of collective action.
The Deputy Minister outlined the EU's ongoing efforts to enhance cybersecurity, describing it as a fundamental pillar of democratic institutions and the resilience of the single market. She acknowledged the robust legislative framework that the EU has developed in recent years, which aims to fortify cybersecurity measures across the bloc. Raouna welcomed the European Commission’s proposed cybersecurity package, which is currently under deliberation at the Council, as a vital step towards strengthening these efforts.
Raouna also advocated for bolstering the role of the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (Enisa), which is tasked with enhancing operational cooperation and improving cyber resilience among member states. She pointed out that while the primary responsibility for cybersecurity lies with individual member states, the Council has established a framework for a coordinated EU response to hybrid threats.
A key component of this framework is the EU Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox, designed to enhance the bloc's capacity to deter and respond to malicious cyber activities. Raouna mentioned the establishment of hybrid rapid response teams that can be deployed at the request of member states and partner countries to tackle hybrid threats effectively.
The Deputy Minister highlighted the support of the European External Action Service, which provides essential analytical capabilities for detecting and assessing hybrid threats. She noted that in March, the Council adopted conclusions aimed at enhancing the EU’s ability to confront hybrid threats, reaffirming its commitment to utilizing all available tools.
In addition to these initiatives, Raouna introduced the European Democracy Shield initiative, which collaborates with the European Centre of Democratic Resilience to further strengthen collective efforts against hybrid threats. "The challenge is to move from a reactive approach to anticipation and prevention," she asserted, emphasizing the EU's commitment to continuously enhancing its capabilities to help member states detect, deter, and disrupt hybrid campaigns before they can fully materialize.
Raouna's address comes at a time when the EU faces increasing challenges from various hybrid threats, necessitating a shift in strategy to safeguard its citizens and infrastructure. Her remarks reflect a growing recognition within the EU of the need for a comprehensive and coordinated approach to cybersecurity and hybrid threat mitigation.
As the EU continues to navigate this complex security landscape, the call for a proactive stance underscores the importance of resilience and collaboration among member states in the face of evolving threats. The initiatives discussed by Raouna aim to ensure that the EU not only reacts to threats as they arise but also anticipates and prevents them, thereby enhancing the overall security and stability of the region.