EU grants €38 million for protection of critical infrastructure against cyber threats

The Commission announced today that it is committing more than €38 million, through Horizon 2020, the EU’s research and innovation programme, to support several innovative projects in the field of protection of critical infrastructure against cyber and physical threats and making cities smarter and safer. Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, said: “Over the past years we have offered our support to research and innovation actions in the area of cybersecurity that contribute to better protecting key infrastructure and the people living in European smart cities. I am pleased that today we are able to offer yet another significant amount of funding through Horizon 2020 towards security, privacy and threat mitigating solutions.” Thierry Breton, Commissioner for Internal Market, added: “Securing network and information systems and enhancing cyber resilience are key for shaping Europe’s digital future. As we are faced with a diverse array of cybersecurity threats, the EU is taking concrete measures to protect critical infrastructures, cities and citizens. More investments at EU and national level in innovative cybersecurity technologies and solutions are of paramount importance to strengthen EU’s resilience to cyberattacks.” Three projects (SAFETY4RAILS, 7SHIELD and ENSURESEC) will work to improve prevention, detection, response and mitigation of cyber and physical threatsfor metro and railway networks, ground space infrastructure and satellites, as well as e-commerce and delivery services. Two additional projects (IMPETUS and S4ALLCITIES) aim at enhancing the resilience of cities’ infrastructures and services and protecting citizens in case of security incidents in public spaces. The projects are expected to start between June and October 2020 and will run for two years. The support is part of the EU’s commitment to build a strong cybersecurity culture and enhanced capabilities to resist and respond effectively to potential cyber threats and attacks. More information on the EU’s actions to strengthen cybersecurity capacities is available in these Q&A, while EU-funded cybersecurity projects can be found here, and new funding opportunities under Horizon 2020 here.