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Cybersecurity priorities in the upcoming Belgian EU Presidency agenda

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On 08 December 2023, Prime Minister Alexander De Croo unveiled the official program and logo of the Belgian Presidency of the Council of the European Union, which will run from 1st January to 30 June 2024. 
 
In recent years, as the cyber threat landscape has evolved immensely, cybersecurity became a major political concern on an EU level. Also, the Belgian Presidency will focus on cybersecurity, be it on foreign affairs, Research & Space, or digital policy itself.  

Cybersecurity is a key element in several of the Presidency's priorities (e.g., Protecting people and borders, Strengthening our competitiveness, Promoting a global Europe). 

In general, the Belgian presidency will prioritise a human-centred and sustainable approach to the digital transition, strengthening Europe's resilience to cybersecurity threats and addressing diverse challenges in telecommunications. 

The overall Presidency slogan is: 'Protect, Strengthen, Prepare'. The Belgian Presidency has indeed as one of its main cybersecurity priorities to focus on promoting a joint approach to ‘active cyber protection’, to strengthen trust in the digital domain and enhance cyber resilience. This will involve bolstering proactive measures for preventing, detecting, monitoring, and abating network security breaches across the Union. 

The Belgian Presidency will also seek to finalise any remaining work on the Cyber Resilience Act to reinforce the security of our digital society and supply chains. Additionally, it will continue to foster mutual solidarity in cyberspace. This will be based on shared responsibility and strong institutions. To achieve a strengthened cyber ecosystem, the Presidency will seek to conclude the work on the Cyber Solidarity Act.

Furthermore, in view of the new European legislature, the Belgian Presidency will conduct a review of EU cyber policy and the institutional landscape to assess the progress and identify the remaining gaps and disparities that need to be addressed. 

Belgium will also focus on ensuring the cyber resilience of space infrastructure. 

CCB as the national authority for cybersecurity in Belgium and responsible for coordinating European obligations and representation, will support the government in realizing its cybersecurity program, by chairing relevant working groups, hosting events, negotiating compromises and coordinating crisis management.