ENISA to manage the new EU cybersecurity reserve
The EU has launched a new Cybersecurity Reserve to help Member States and key sectors respond to major cyberattacks. Managed by ENISA and backed by €36 million from the Digital Europe Programme, the Reserve will provide rapid-response services from trusted providers, supporting sectors like health and energy under the NIS2 Directive.
The European Union has taken a major step in strengthening its cybersecurity defenses by officially launching the EU Cybersecurity Reserve, a new initiative designed to help the EU and its member states respond to major cyberattacks. The European Commission signed an agreement with ENISA, the EU Agency for Cybersecurity, which will oversee the Reserve’s operation and administration.
What is the EU cybersecurity reserve?
The Reserve is a pool of trusted cybersecurity experts and services that can be quickly mobilised to respond to and recover from large-scale cyber incidents. These might include attacks on hospitals, energy grids, or other vital sectors. It is part of the Cyber Solidarity Act, a broader EU initiative aimed at improving Europe’s ability to handle cybersecurity threats.
The Reserve isn’t limited to just EU member states. It may also assist third countries associated with the Digital Europe Programme (DEP), as long as certain conditions are met.
How will it work?
ENISA will manage a €36 million budget provided by the Digital Europe Programme over the next three years. This funding will be used to:
- Procure incident response services through public tenders.
- Assess and approve requests for help from the Reserve.
- Ensure that only trusted service providers are involved.
The services can be deployed to any EU country or institution in need, especially in critical or highly critical sectors as defined by the EU’s updated NIS2 Directive. These sectors include areas such as healthcare, energy, transport, and financial services.
Why it matters
Cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and more damaging. By creating a centrally managed reserve of expertise, the EU aims to respond faster and more effectively to serious threats. ENISA’s leadership ensures that this effort is coordinated across borders and sectors, improving the Union’s overall resilience.
