The imperative of global harmonisation of cybersecurity rules for collective defence

Executive summary

The annual cost of cybercrime worldwide is projected to hit €14 trillion by 2029, turning it into the world’s third-largest economy. Threat actors are using new tactics and technologies to target individuals, businesses of all sectors and sizes, governments and NGOs. They are taking learnings from one part of the world to attack another. In a world where we are all targets of common cyber adversaries that operate across borders, collaboration is key and harmonised approaches to cybersecurity policies will determine our ability to fight cybercriminals.

The EU’s role in the harmonisation of cybersecurity rules globally is crucial. The EU must continue to champion an open global ecosystem and harmonised approach. To become a digital powerhouse in the domain of cybersecurity, policy makers must prioritise the following:

• Pursue international cooperation through existing multilateral structures, starting from the G7;
• Aim for harmonised regulations on cybersecurity;
• Promote development and adoption of global standards;
• Strengthen and expand mutual recognition agreements;
• Enable cross-border data flows; and
• Promote public-private partnerships.