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EU Cyber Defence Policy: Four takeaways
By Madhura S Mahesh
On 10 November, the European Commission and the High Representative introduced a Joint Communication on an EU Cyber Defence Policy. This policy aims to increase cyber defence capabilities either as an individual or with other EU members. The Commission referred to the recent cyber-attacks on energy infrastructure, the Russia-Ukraine conflict and government infrastructure and said that these incidents show the need for the EU to increase its cyber defence capabilities.
Four takeaways
First, a closer and integrated civilian and military cooperation in cyberspace. The new defence policy looks to integrate both the civilian and military cyberspace of EU members to enhance cooperation between the two and strengthen cyber defence. This is to manage and mitigate high-level cyber security threats and attacks. The policy hopes to introduce an EU Cyber Defence Coordination Centre (EUDCC) which will act as a central node of EU members' military cyberspace and help increase situational awareness within the EU defence community. An EU Cyber Commanders Conference will be launched headed by the European Defence Agency (EDA) to assist in the exchange of reliable and strategic information on cyber incidents. When it comes to civilian integration of cyberspace, the policy proposes Computer Security Incident Response Team and a Cyber Solidarity Initiative which will monitor and respond to various cyber-attacks on EU members. It will also look at a possible collaboration between cyber defence and other cyber communities at an operational level.
Second, increasing cyber resilience in the EU defence system. The armed force uses civilian infrastructures like transportation, energy and communication to assist in their day-to-day activities. Hence it is important to strengthen these to prevent a potential cyber-attack which will affect the working of the defence sector. The High Representative will propose non-legally binding recommendations to the defence sector on enhancing member states' cyberspace. The policy outlines a Cyber Resilience Act to set similar standards for cybersecurity in hardware and software products and components. The defence policy outlines the need to map out potential risks affecting EU civilian and military cyberspace.
Third, increase investments in cyber defence technologies. To reduce dependency on other countries outside the EU, the new policy proposes investments in research and development and manufacturing of cyber defence technologies. These new investments will help to identify the current missing links and help to patch them to create new defence capabilities in line with the policy in a coordinated and measurable manner. The Commission through the European Defence Fund will be increasing investments in the development of interoperable tools for cyberspace operations like incident response, defensive operations and information warfare in EU member states. The policy advocates for investment for sustaining state-of-the-art defence capabilities which will also include keeping up-to-date with new technologies and their use in cyber defence systems. Quantum technology is a major challenge to the cyber defence capabilities of a nation, the policy outlines how investment in new disruptive technologies will help better protect the nation from attacks. Under the new policy, the Commission will be launching a Cyber Skills Academy which will train workers in cyberspace on new technologies and build up the cyberspace workforce by training more professionals in cyber security.
Fourth, addressing cyber threats with integrated approach. While the policy majorly focuses on the integration of military and civilian cyberspace of EU members, it also proposes for EU members to collaborate with neighbours, international organisations and alliances like NATO to strengthen responses to cyber-attacks of similar nature. Established methods and responses to certain cyber-attacks faced by different EU members and their allies will help fastrack the response to potential attacks and mitigate the extent of the damage. For instance, with NATO the policy proposes for development of concepts and doctrines on cyber defence which will be compatible with the policies of NATO and the EU. The EU hopes to help Ukraine in building its cyber defence capability together with the US and other international partners to fight against any future Russian-led cyber-attack. The policy also outlines the EU’s motive to prevent any external cyber-attack from affecting the EU indirectly. It hopes to achieve this by helping allied countries and immediate neighbours in building up their cyber defence capabilities through the EU Common Foreign Security Policy and Common Security and Defence Policy.
References
“Cyber Defence: EU boosts action against cyber threats,” ec.europa.eu, 10 November 2022
“Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council: EU Policy on Cyber Defence,” eeas.europa.eu, 10 November 2022
EU’s Action Plan on Military Mobility 2.0: Three takeaways
By Padmashree Anandhan
On 10 November, European Commission Vice President Josep Borrell proposed the “Action Plan on Military Mobility 2.0,” as part of the security and defence package. The proposal comes as the security landscape is altering with Russian aggression. Borrell listing down the priority areas for improving Europe’s military capacity, announced the UKs decision to join the “Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) project” as part of the Action Plan.
Three takeaways
First, focus of the “Action Plan.” The initiative launched in 2017 has been revised and updated regularly by the European Council, Commission, and Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO). It evolved in terms of military requirements, infrastructure projects, logistical capabilities to lessen the reaction time. The key focus of the action plan is to improve the transport infrastructure to facilitate the movement of heavy military equipment, regularise such movement under less complex national regulations, to digitize the administering processes, and bring measures to protect such critical transport against hybrid threats.
Second, increased budget for smoother transport network. The Ukraine war has pushed the EU member states to increase their defence budget more than two per cent set by the NATO. Since 2008 financial crisis, the defence expenditures which were on a lull increased to 19.7 per cent, this changed in 2022 with EU allotting an exclusive budget of EUR 1.69 billion towards dual-use transport infrastructure project to revise the “trans-European transport network,” and simplify the customs regulations.
Third, European Defence Agency role in simplifying the cross-border movements. To ensure a faster movement of military from the west to the east of Europe, reducing the complex border checks is necessary for Europe. The 24 EU member states and Norway in the European Defence Agency Programme and the UK in the PESCO is modelled to bring the logistical joints together and reduce the reaction time. This can be done through multi-model transport corridor and transport nodes to enhance the connection and promote seamless military movement. The agency which provides ease of transport over surface and air, also aims to build a third cross-border movement to facilitate the maritime sector.
References
“Security and Defence package: Remarks by High-Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell at the press conference,” EEAS, 10 November 2022
“JOINT COMMUNICATION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE COUNCIL: Action plan on military mobility 2.0,” ec.europa.eu, 10 November 2022
“Defence Investment Gaps Analysis and Way Forward,” ec.europa.eu, 18 May 2022
War in Ukraine: Day 262 & 263
By Sai Pranav and Sandeep Ganesh
War on the Ground
On 13 November, Ukraine’s Deputy Head of the Office of the President, Kyrylo Tymoshenko, reported installation of concrete walls with barbed wires along the border with Belarus in the Volyn region. The reason given was to protect the border from Belarusian and Russian intrusion. He said that the concrete fences are not only installed in the Volyn region but also along the borders of the hostile states of Belarus and Russia.
On 12 November, in his speech, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Dmytro Kuleba, said that the war would continue even after the exit of the Russian troops in the Kherson city. Only negotiations or victory will end the war. He requested the ASEAN states to ensure that Russia does not disrupt the Ukrainian grain shipments to the global markets. He thanked Australia for its military aid of USD 440 million following a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese on the summit's sidelines.
On 12 November, in a facebook post, Khersonoblenergo Joint Stock Company, the electricity supplier for Kherson city, reported that the works for restoring electricity in the city will begin after the mandatory military permission is obtained. Kherson region which has been without electricity for a long time after the Russian attacks itscritical infrastructure has suffered the major damage. Khersonoblenergo, along with domestic and international energy companies, is trying to restore electricity in the war-torn Kherson region.
On 12 November, Kuleba tweeted on Twitterabout his discussion with Estonia’s Foreign Minister, Urmas Reinsalu. The discussion focused on coordinatingin building a special tribunal against Russia for war crimes. Kuleba expressed gratitude to the Estonian government for providing generators to Ukraine to mitigate its energy crisis.
On 11 November, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in his video message announced the implementation of the EU’s “Solidarity Lanes” initiative. The initiative aims to find, establish and promote alternative routes for Ukrainian agricultural exports in the Black Sea, to ensure smoother transactions. It eliminates transport delays at the border between Ukraine and the EU to improve the logistics of goods. The EU pledged to allocate EUR 850 million, and the world bank announced EUR 100 million to back Ukraine’s grain exports. He added that Ukrainian investigator have discovered that Russia has committed over 400 war crimes and has uncovered the bodies of servicemen and civilians from the de-occupied Kherson region. His claims are yet to be verified.
The Moscow View
Claims by Russia
On 13 November, RT reported on Ukraine’s Novaya Kakhovka city’s Mayor, Vladimir Leontyev, comments on the Kakhovskaya hydroelectric dam in Russian occupied Kherson region. According to Leontyev the dam suffered monumental damage to its infrastructure and could take a year or more to be repaired. Leontyev accused the Ukrainian forces of the attacks. Russia alleged Ukraine for using the US-made HIMARS missile system to target the dam. It also alleged that the main reason Ukrainian forces targeted the dam was to flood the region to destroy the infrastructure. In response, the Russian Defence Ministry stated that the troops withdrew from Kherson city due to fear of flooding from the attack on Kakhovskaya dam.
On 12 November, the Kherson region’s capital was announced by Russia’s Deputy Defence Minister, Alexander Fomin, as Genichesk, where the headquarters of major government agencies are located.Genichesk was made the temporary administrative capital of the Kherson region. The port city, which lies on theAzov Sea, is reputed for its resorts. The capital was assigned following the withdrawal of the Russian troops from the Kherson region. Hundreds of civilians were relocated to the right bank of the river.
On 12 November, the leader of a pro-Russian group in Zaporizhzhia, “We Stand With Russia” Vladimir Rogov, reported in TASS that there was a confirmation of a mercenary count from 40 countries fighting in the area near Zaporizhzhia. The count was estimated to be around 5,000 mercenaries, who were from Poland. Japanese, Australian, Canadian, French and Spanish-speaking mercenaries. Rogov believes that Ukraine will focus on Zaporizhzhia following the withdrawal of Russian troops from Kherson city.
The West View
Responses from the US and Europe
On 12 November, Secretary of State for the US Anthony J. Blinken and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba released statements before there meeting in Cambodia. Secretary Blinken expressed his delight after the withdrawal of Russian forces from Kherson and appreciated the remarkable courage of the Ukrainian armed forces. Reinsuring the United Sates support to Ukraine until the war is over. He expressed his concern over Russia brutalizing the energy infrastructure of Ukraine on ground.
On 13 November, the United Kingdom’s Ministry of Defence in its intelligence updated d the latest Defence Intelligence program in Ukraine. The Education Minister of Russia, Sergey Kravtsov, it mandatory for students to take military training starting in September 2023. This reprises a USSR-era practice which ended in 1993 would reinforce in Russia. The training includes contingencies for a chemical or nuclear attack, first aid and experience handling and firing Kalashnikov rifles. A training program is being drafted and the Russian Ministry of Defence supports the process, the draft will be completed by the end of 2022
The Global Fallouts
Implications of the Ukraine war
On 12 November, India’s Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, met Kuleba Foreign Minister of Ukraine, Foreign Minister they met on the side-lines of ASEAN-India summit. They discussed recent developments in the region, nuclear concerns and way to end the Russia’s war on Ukraine. Jaishankar reinstated the words of Prime Minister of India Shri Narender Modi that is not “an era of war” and a peaceful resolution could be reached with dialogue and diplomacy.
On 13 November, South Korea’s President Yoon Suk-yeol, pledged to increase the volume of humanitarian aid delivered to Ukraine. Prez Yoon also highlighted that the invasion of Ukraine was a breach international law and a threat to the lives and rights of the Ukrainian people. Ukrinform, reported on the sale of 155mm artillery shells to the United States by South Korea, which is intended to further the supply of the Ukrainian forces.
On 12 November, UN’s Secretary General Antonis Guterres, in his visit to Cambodia spoke about peace in Ukraine. He stated that Russia’s invasion was a violation of the UN Charter, and violated the country’s territorial integrity. He stressed the importance to create and keep the channel of dialog open which would be very helpful to re-establish relationship and maintain peace in the future based on the values of the UN charter, and peace based on international law.
References
Kyrylo Tymoshenko, “This is how the wall on the border of the Volyn region with Belarus is being built - a reinforced concrete fence with barbed wire.,” Telegram, 13 November 2022
“Ukraine foreign minister says 'war goes on' after Kherson success,” The Strait Times, 12 November 2022
Khersonoblenergo Joint Stock Company, “"Khersonoblenergo" starts work with restoration of electricity in Khersoní,” Facebook, 12 November 2022
Dmytro Kuleba, “Ukraine, Estonia foreign ministers coordinate steps to create special tribunal,” Twitter, 12 November 2022
“Volodymyr Zelenskyi delivered a video message on the implementation of the EU initiative "Paths of Solidarity",” president.gov.ua, 11 November 2022
“Damage to key dam from Ukrainian strikes revealed,” RT, 13 November 2022
“Genichesk becomes Kherson Region’s temporary capital, official says,” TASS, 12 November 2022
“Mercenaries from over 40 countries fighting near Zaporozhye - official,” TASS, 12 November 2022
“Secretary Antony J. Blinken And Ukrainian foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba Before Their Meeting.,” state.gov, 12 November 2022
“Déclaration commune à l’issue de la réunion du 11 novembre à Paris,” diplomatie.gouv.fr, 11 November 2022
“Russia closes the Kerch Strait,” Denizhaber.net, 13 November 2022
The UK Ministry of Defence, “Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 13 November 2022,” Twitter, 13 November 2022
“Kuleba discusses support for Ukraine with foreign ministers of India and Oman,” Ukrinform, 13 November 2022
“South Korean President vows increase in humanitarian aid to Ukraine,” Ukrinform, 13 November 2022
“During visit to Cambodia, Secretary-General upholds the importance of a single global economy,” news.un.org, 12 November 2022
Peter Kavinsky, “Latvia’s president called for the establishment of a special tribunal for Russia,” cablefreetv.org, 13 November 2022
IN BRIEF
By Sai Pranav, Madhura S Mahesh, and Sandeep Ganesh
DENMARK
Negotiations delay the formation of a new government
On 11 November, the Social Democratic party announced that the negotiations for forming a coalition government would extend till 24 November. The negotiation is between the parliamentary parties and North Atlantic mandate holders. The negotiation is led by Social Democrats’ acting Prime Minister, Mette Fredriksen. The initial discussion is on major political and social agendas. The discussion for next week entails the economy, reforms and the answer to tackling inflation. The week of 21 November will see a discussion on foreign and security policy and bilateral meetings with the four MPs of the Faroe Islands and Greenland. Fredriksen also wants to find an agreement on the 2024 budget, as the protracted negotiation following the election has resulted in a temporary state expenditure plan. (“No new Danish government expected for ‘at least two weeks’,” THE LOCAL dk, 11 November 2022)
FINLAND
Water pipelines break in Helsinki results in floods
On 13 November, Helsinki Region Environmental Services Authority (HSY), the city’s authority that provides water and waste management services, announced that several pipes across the city broke, resulting in water entering driveways, properties, parking garages and business premises. A total of five pipe breaks were reported. The streets of pipe breaks were Fleminginkatu, Boulevard, Hameentie, Rautammintie and Violankatu. The trunk line in Kallio, where the main pipeline is located, is said to have been broken due to a technical fault. The pipeline network is old and has been preserved well until the present. The first leak was reported on Fleminginkatu street. The Helsinki Road Transport Agency had to be closed in other parts of the city due to the waters from broken pipelines. Helsinki Regional Transport (HSL) expects the situation to continue till 14 November night. (Jaakko Muilu, Ilmo Ilkka and Milla Palkoaho, “The main line broke in Kallio on Sunday: Water flooded the city, collapsed streets,” Helsingin Sanomat, 13 November 2022)
MOLDOVA
Fresh anti-government protests emerge amid energy crisis
On 13 November, anti-government protests emerged in Chisinau amid the winter energy crisis and increasing inflation. The protestors called for the resignation of Moldova’s President Maia Sandu over the government’s supposed failure in handling the winter energy crisis. The shortage in energy supply comes after Russia reduced its gas supply to the country over its pro-western stance in the Ukraine conflict. (“Moldova anti-govt protesters return amid energy crisis,” abc News, 14 November 2022)
TURKEY
Istanbul explosion kills six; alleged perpetrator arrested
On 13 November, an explosion rocked Istiklal Avenue, Istanbul killing six people and 81others wounded. The attack took place on a crowded street and one of the dead was a government ministry worker and his daughter. Turkish President Recep Tayyip called the attack vile and said: “Efforts to defeat Turkey and the Turkish people through terrorism will fail today just as they did yesterday and as they will tomorrow.” While nobody has claimed responsibility for the explosion, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu on 14 November reported that the alleged perpetrator was arrested saying: "A little while ago, the person who left the bomb was detained by our Istanbul Police Department teams. According to our findings, the PKK terrorist organisation is responsible.” PKK or Kurdistan Worker’s Party is a Turkish designated terrorist organisation and has been responsible for a series of attacks in Istanbul and Turkey in 2015 and 2016. (“Six dead in Istanbul blast, presumed perpetrator arrested,” EURACTIV, 14 November 2022; “Istanbul explosion: Suspect arrested after 'vile attack',” Deutsche Welle, 14 November 2022)
SLOVENIA
Slovenia elects first female president Natasa Pirc Musar
On 14 November, Slovenia elected their first female president Natasa Pirc Musar with around 54 per cent of the total votes polled. Musar, a lawyer ran as an independent candidate with the support of Slovenia’s centre-left government. The other nominee was former foreign minister Anze Logar who received around 46 per cent of the total votes polled. After the results were announced, Musar said: "Slovenia has elected a president who believes in the European Union, in the democratic values on which the EU was founded." Natasha Pirc Musar is a 54-year-old lawyer who specialises in media law and human rights. (“Natasa Pirc Musar: Slovenia elects lawyer as first female president,” BBC, 14 November 2022 and “Natasa Pirc Musar became the First Female President of Slovenia,” novinite.com, 14 November 2022)
REGIONAL
Riigikogu speaker Jüri Ratas discuss Estonia-Slovakia relations
On 12 November, Estonian Riigikogu speaker Jüri Ratas during his visit met Slovakian Prime Minister Eduard Heger and discussed their close relations to help build future joint cooperation projects in the digital economy, e-governance and cyber security. They also discussed the refugee influx from Ukraine to Estonia and Slovakia and the reconstruction efforts led by Estonia in Zhytomyr Oblast, Ukraine. (“Riigikogu speaker: Strong Estonia-Slovakia relations more crucial than ever,” news.err.ee, 12 November 2022)
Bulgaria experiencing unprecedented migrant pressure at the Bulgaria-Turkis border
On 13 November, Bulgaria’s Border Police Rosista Dimitrova said that the migrant pressure on the Bulgarian border with Turkey remains “unprecedented.” Dimitrova said prevented attempts at the Bulgarian-Turkish border in one week in September 2022 was the same as the entire of 2020 and prevented attempts the previous week is more compared to the entire of 2019. On the other hand, Bulgaria’s Minister of Internal Affairs Ivan Demerdzhiev said that the migrant pressure on the border was decreasing referring to the drop in the number of migrants illegally entering Bulgaria every day from 1600 to 600. (“Bulgaria’s "Border Police" reports unprecedented Migrant Pressure,” novinite.com, 13 November 2022)
ECONOMY
Estonian pensioners stay unaffected after stock market shocks
On 14 November, err reported that despite volatility in global stock markets, Estonian pensioners have not strayed away from the pension system. The report highlights how increased awareness and interest rates have led to more movement of funds, especially in the pension market. Despite this Estonia-based LHV Pensionifond has seen the best return in the market in the past 12 months. In the LHV fund, there are three tiers M, L and XL all of which have shown positive returns with L having approximately four per cent returns in 2022. Swedbank the leading bank where most second-pillar Estonian pensioners keep their money has reportedly seen a movement of funds from the bank to LHV in 2021. (“The decline in world markets does not deter Estonian pensioners,” err.ee, 14 November 2022)