New EU Tech Commissioner Henna Virkkunen has been tasked with improving adoption processes of certification schemes, particularly focusing on the stalled debate surrounding voluntary cybersecurity certificates for cloud services within the European Commission. The scheme, drafted by ENISA in 2019, is intended to demonstrate the appropriate level of cybersecurity protection for ICT solutions in the EU market. However, the debate has been heavily influenced by sovereignty requirements, with France pushing for exclusion of non-EU cloud companies from the highest security options.
Virkkunen’s mission letter from President Ursula von der Leyen emphasizes the importance of strengthening cybersecurity, with a specific focus on improving the adoption processes of such schemes. The ongoing deadlock in the debate surrounding the cybersecurity certificates highlights the challenges faced by the EU in reaching a consensus on the issue.
The delay in the certification scheme coincides with the evaluation of the Cybersecurity Act, which aims to enhance coordination within the EU in the event of large-scale cyberattacks and crises. While one certification on baseline ICT products has been approved, another on 5G is still in progress. The Commission has recently requested ENISA’s support for the certification of European Digital Identity Wallets.
Virkkunen’s role as the new Tech Commissioner will be crucial in navigating these complex issues and ensuring the EU remains at the forefront of cybersecurity measures. The coming months will be critical in determining the future of cybersecurity certification in the EU market.
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