Recent statements from the European Union and NATO highlight a renewed commitment to joint efforts aimed at safeguarding critical systems. The focus spans energy networks, transportation grids, digital platforms, and space infrastructure that officials describe as vulnerable to potential attacks.
The emphasis appears in a new report produced by two working groups dedicated to resilience in critical infrastructures. The document follows observations about sabotage incidents impacting energy systems and calls for stronger ties between partner nations and the private sector to bolster defense and response capabilities.
Key recommendations urge increased commitment between the EU and NATO, particularly in response to shifts in the security landscape. The report promotes close cooperation among allies, member states, and industry players to share best practices and coordinate security measures across sectors.
To support these aims, the document points to assistance from the European Center of Excellence in the fight against hybrid threats, underscoring the value of cross‑jurisdictional expertise in adapting to evolving risks.
Structured dialogues between EU and NATO leadership are urged to deepen resilience planning and military mobility. The report also calls for expanded contact across cyberspace, maritime transport, energy networks, and joint planning between the NATO International Joint Chiefs of Staff and the EU Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Awareness of the security implications surrounding control and operation of critical infrastructure is identified as essential. The report highlights potential risks linked to strategic competitors and providers in key sectors such as telecommunications, including 5G networks, stressing the need for vigilance and resilience in supply chains.
Another focus is to promote best practices and ongoing assessments while improving oversight of participation in security initiatives. The aim is to ensure robust governance that governs public and private collaboration, with periodic parallel and coordinated threat assessments across the critical infrastructure spectrum.
Throughout the document, EU and NATO analysts stress the vulnerability of energy, transport, digital, and space infrastructures. They acknowledge that energy security is increasingly challenged by a complex geopolitical environment, noting that disruptions in one area can ripple across the system due to interdependencies.
Despite a reduction in dependency on certain energy sources, the report warns that new infrastructures and connections introduce fresh challenges for protection and allied coordination. It points out that growing reliance on renewables can heighten exposure within supply chains, calling for proactive risk management.
In transportation, airports and seaports are identified as critical points that could suffer cascading effects from cyber threats, potentially affecting both civilian life and military operations. The analysis notes that these infrastructures are progressively more connected to the electricity grid and to digital control systems, which heightens exposure to attacks.
Digital infrastructure is examined for risks stemming from the global reach of undersea cables and the expansion of 5G networks. The report emphasizes limited repair capabilities and increased vulnerability as important considerations for safeguarding digital services and communications.
Supply chains for digital systems are described as globally interlinked and susceptible to both accidental disruptions and deliberate interference. This interconnectedness necessitates resilient planning and rapid response mechanisms to maintain continuity of services.
Space infrastructure receives particular attention due to vulnerabilities in both spaceborne assets and ground facilities. The study notes that space assets may be owned by the EU, individual member states, allies, and increasingly commercial entities, creating a diverse ecosystem that requires coordinated protection strategies. It warns that strategic competitors and adversaries are developing counter-space capabilities that could restrict access to space and limit freedom of operation, with potential consequences for critical infrastructure on Earth.
Overall, the report presents a roadmap for enhanced cooperation, risk awareness, and governance structures designed to strengthen the security of vital systems against a broad spectrum of threats. It frames resilience as a shared responsibility across government, industry, and international partners, with ongoing assessments guiding future actions against evolving risks.