The European Union will seek to boost security of the internet and other critical network and information systems by setting up a Cybersecurity Competence Centre in the Romanian capital of Bucharest.

The centre will pool investment in cyber security research, technology and industrial development, particularly funding from the EU’s Horizon Europe and Digital Europeprogrammes, the Council of Europe said.

“[It] will play a key role in helping secure the digital infrastructure so many of us use every day for work and leisure, as well as information systems and networks in vital areas such as health, transport, energy, financial markets and banking systems,” said Mariana Vieira da Silva, Portuguese minister of state for the presidency of the EU.

“It will also bolster the global competitiveness of the EU’s cybersecurity industry, SMEs in particular, and strengthen our leadership and strategic autonomy in the cyber security domain.” SME refers to small- and medium-sized enterprises.

The new centre will work with the network of national coordination centres designated by member states, as well as the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA).

Industry, academic and research organisations, and others will be brought together through the centre to enhance and spread cyber security expertise across the EU.

The council’s decision to establish the centre and related networks has to be formally approved by the European Parliament.

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