Report on the implementation of the 2016 Joint Framework on countering hybrid threats and the 2018 Joint Communication on increasing resilience and bolstering capabilities to address hybrid threats

Summary:

Joint Staff Working Document published by the European Commission and the European External Action Service (EEAS) in May 2019, which accounts for progress on the implementation of the Joint Framework on countering hybrid threats and the Joint Communication on increasing resilience and bolstering capabilities to address hybrid threats.

Further information:

The report notes that the European Union (EU) and Member States made good progress in tackling hybrid threats through a number of concerted actions in a wide range of sectors to significantly boost capacities.

The measures identified under the 2016 Joint Framework on Countering Hybrid Threats and the 2018 Joint Communication on increasing resilience and bolstering capabilities to address hybrid threats range from improving exchange of information and strengthening protection of critical infrastructure and cybersecurity, to building resilience in our societies against radicalisation and extremism. Member States received support through the framework, and the EU's response to hybrid threats was successfully tested.

Amongst the key achievements, a large number of legislative proposals were adopted to underpin efforts at national and EU level. Chemical and cyber sanctions regimes were added to the array of response measures. Countering disinformation, election protection, cybersecurity, defence industry cooperation add on to the list of areas concerned but do not exhaust it. Cooperation within and between EU entities – institutions, services and agencies – was key to steady progress on the hybrid files. Cooperation with partner countries in this field was stepped up: Hybrid risk surveys were launched in 7 partner countries in the EU's neighbourhood.

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Official

European Commission: Press Release, 29/05/2019: A Europe that protects: good progress on tackling hybrid threats http://europa.eu/rapid/press-release_IP-19-2788_en.htm

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