CEN (European Committee for Standardization) and CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization) have signed a collaboration agreement with ENISA (European Union Agency for Network and Information Security). The three organisations have committed themselves to working together during the coming years on a range of issues related to cybersecurity and standardization.

The collaboration agreement between CEN, CENELEC and ENISA was officially signed by Elena Santiago Cid, Director General of CEN and CENELEC, and Prof. Udo Helmbrecht, Executive Director of ENISA, at the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre in Brussels on 9 July. This agreement establishes a framework for cooperation among the three organisations, and gives ENISA the possibility to nominate experts who will participate in relevant standardization activities that are being supported by CEN and CENELEC, notably in areas related to Information and Communication Technologies (ICT).

CEN, CENELEC and ENISA will develop their cooperation together with ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) in the framework of the CEN/CENELEC/ETSI Cybersecurity Coordination Group, which is chaired by Dr Christian Ehler (Member of the European Parliament). They are determined to make a significant and positive contribution to the successful implementation of the European Union’s Cybersecurity Strategy, which was published by the European Commission on 7 February 2013.

The European Standardization Organisations (CEN, CENELEC and ETSI) will also develop their dialogue and cooperation with ENISA in relation to ongoing standardization activities in other relevant areas such as Smart Grids (intelligent electricity distribution networks that support the integration of renewable energy sources, etc.) and Smart Cities (using ICT to achieve greater energy efficiency, notably in relation to urban transport, etc.).

Speaking on the occasion of the signing ceremony in Brussels, Elena Santiago Cid, Director General of CEN and CENELEC, said: "We are convinced that the collaboration between ENISA and the European Standardization Organisations will contribute to the successful implementation of the European Union’s Cybersecurity Strategy. At the same time, we will continue to play a positive role in terms of promoting the international harmonisation of cybersecurity standards, notably in the framework of our ongoing cooperation with ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission)."

Prof. Udo Helmbrecht, Executive Director of ENISA, said: "Recognised standards for Europe’s network and information security (NIS) activity help to improve security, and can enhance Europe’s competitive edge as a provider of cybersecurity products and services. This is why ENISA’s role includes reinforcing work on European NIS standards, working in close cooperation with the European Standardization Organisations - CEN, CENELEC and ETSI. Our new collaboration agreement with CEN and CENELEC puts measures in place to further increase impact, including participation in working groups, sharing information, and factoring ENISA’s research results into relevant standardization activities that are being supported by CEN and CENELEC."

Notes

The CEN/CENELEC/ETSI Cybersecurity Coordination Group (CSCG) met for the first time in Berlin on 2 December 2011. The CSCG acts as an advisory body to the  Technical Boards of CEN, CENELEC and ETSI (European Telecommunications Standards Institute) on political and strategic matters related to cybersecurity standardization. For more information see the CEN website: http://www.cen.eu/cen/Sectors/Sectors/Security/citizens/Pages/CyberSecurityCoordinationGroup.aspx

ENISA (European Union Agency for Network and Information Security) is a centre of network and information security expertise for the EU, its member states, the private sector and Europe's citizens. ENISA works with these groups to develop advice and recommendations on good practice in information security. It assists EU member states in implementing relevant EU legislation and works to improve the resilience of Europe's critical information infrastructure and networks. For more information about ENISA, please see: www.enisa.europa.eu

The Joint Communication on a 'Cybersecurity Strategy of the European Union: an Open, Safe and Secure Cyberspace' was adopted on 7 February 2013 by the European Commission and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. For more information see the Commission’s Digital Agenda website: http://ec.europa.eu/digital-agenda/cyber-security

See also the website of the European External Action Service: http://eeas.europa.eu/policies/eu-cyber-security/index_en.htm

Media contact:

Ben Carlin

Communication Unit

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre

T: +32 2 550 08 32

bcarlin@cencenelec.eu

Twitter: @CENCLCpress