@article{306,
  author = {Agnes Kasper and Anna-Maria Osula and Anna Molnár},
  title = {EU cybersecurity and cyber diplomacy1; [Ciberseguridad y ciberdiplomacia de la UE]},
  abstract = {Over the last decades cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of European digital development. Alongside with the diffusion of information and communication technologies and the deepening (as well as widening) of the European Union, the initial narrow and sectoral data security policies have expanded into a comprehensive cybersecurity framework addressing issues from resilient infrastructure and technological sovereignty, through tackling cybercrime, to cyber defence capabilities and responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. In this complex web of interrelated policies a relative newcomer at the European Union (EU) level is cyber diplomacy. Sometimes also called public diplomacy 2.0, it factors into the cross-border connectivity of cyberspace and reflects a shift in international relations where the lines between external and internal policies, military and civilian domains are blurred. However, the term cyber diplomacy is fluid and it is not well understood which topics should be under its “umbrella”, in particular in relation to cybersecurity, where it seems to be linked the most. This article aims to map existing and proposed instruments that make up the EU’s arsenal in this broad context to answer the following questions: what is cyber diplomacy and how is it related to the EU cybersecurity? Is cyber diplomacy in the EU becoming something in its own right as a distinct set of tools to secure the EU policy objectives? © 2021 The authors. All right reserved.},
  year = {2021},
  journal = {Fundacio per la Universitat Oberta de Catalunya},
  month = {2021-12-13},
  issn = {1699-8154},
  url = {https://raco.cat/index.php/IDP/article/view/n34-kasper},
  doi = {10.7238/idp.v0i34.387469},
  note = {The EU cyber diplomacy is ultimately a function of economic interdependence both at global, as well as intra-EU levels, whose focus is a natural consequence of the Union’s sui generis character. Consequently, it relates to a broad spectrum of cybersecurity policy areas: its non-military cyber policy, its heavy reliance on its economic might and market-oriented solutions, as well the EU’s normative power and appeal in cybersecurity-related areas. The EU cyber diplomacy areas derive their relevance from the central importance of the single market and the protection of fundamental rights. Therefore, the EU cyber diplomacy deals with reducing cyber threats to the (digital) single market and the protection of fundamental rights; as well as reducing the EU’s own vulnerabilities and weaknesses that expose these areas to harms originating from cyberspace. Engagement in the normative discussion on international cybersecurity by the Union is in line with its character and given its lack of offensive cyber capabilities and technological reliance on external actors, its tools to reduce cyber threats are naturally limited. Hence, the internal focus and reduction of vulnerabilities internally and building resilience at the level of Member States needs to be an integral part of the EU’s cyber diplomacy. Similarly to cybersecurity, cyber diplomacy is a multi- layered concept and needs to be developed keeping in mind the interrelations between different subtopics related to cyber policy. To promote more coherent policy messages and goals, cyber diplomacy should keep away from compartmentalisation and aim for a comprehensive approach. As has been demonstrated by this article, cyber diplomacy has become an integral part of CFSP and issues related to cyber policy should therefore be part of all negotiations. Developments in the EU also point at the increasing relevance of assisting Member States with effective responses for malicious cyber incidents. The EU’s objective is to develop its cyber deterrence posture, in particular regarding countering significant cyber-attacks affecting critical infrastructures, democratic institutions and processes. It also promotes discussions on additional measures for the cyber diplomacy toolbox and clear steps towards a stronger cyber diplomacy stance and a more resilient Union.},
}