On the occasion of today's plenary vote in the European Parliament on the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA), Christian Ehler MEP, EPP Group Shadow Rapporteur, said: "By adopting the new Regulation on the European Network and Information Security Agency, the European Parliament has made an important contribution to tackling one of the most pressing dangers for the common market - the increasing number of cyber attacks."

"After two years of intensive negotiations, we can proudly announce that the new ENISA package is a success. It guarantees a solid European Centre for expertise in the area of network and information security which is fully integrated into the existing EU framework. In the future, the Agency will be able to better coordinate and support the mutual cooperation of Member States and the Commission; it will be involved more intensively in the actions of the Computer and Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) and will have a more profound connection to national data and privacy protection authorities. On specific tasks, ENISA can now act on its own initiative. To fulfil operative tasks, the Parliament successfully negotiated the opening of a new branch in Athens. This will increase the Agency's efficiency."

"For a number of reasons, cyber attacks do not play the role they should in the public discussion; however, they pose real threats to the wealth and freedom of European societies. A stronger and more effective ENISA provides the Member States and the EU with a better tool to recognise and confront such threats. With respect to the recent Cyber Security Strategy of the European Commission, ENISA becomes an important cornerstone in a comprehensive network to protect European organisations, enterprises and citizens", concluded Ehler.

For further information:

Christian EHLER MEP, tel.: +33 (0)3 88 175325

Lasse Böhm, EPP Press and Communications Service, tel.: +32-484-656897

Note to Editors

The EPP Group is by far the largest political group in the European Parliament with 270 Members and 3 Croatian Observer Members.

The European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA) is a European Union Agency. It was created in 2004 by EU Regulation No 460/2004 and has been fully operational since 1 September 2005. It has its seat in Heraklion, Crete. The objective of ENISA is to improve network and information security in the European Union. The Agency has to contribute to the development of a culture of network and information security for the benefit of the citizens, consumers, enterprises and public sector organisations of the European Union, and consequently will contribute to the smooth functioning of the EU Internal Market. ENISA assists the European Commission, the Member States and, consequently, the business community in meeting the requirements of network and information security, including present and future EU legislation. ENISA ultimately strives to serve as a centre of expertise for both Member States and EU Institutions to seek advice on matters related to network and information security.