The European Commission has launched a sweeping new internal security strategy, “ProtectEU,” aimed at bolstering the EU’s resilience against cyber threats, hybrid warfare, and organized crime. Announced on April 1, 2025, the strategy outlines a unified approach to safeguarding critical infrastructure, enhancing law enforcement capabilities, and countering foreign interference particularly from Russia, Belarus, and state-sponsored hacking groups.

With 64% of Europeans expressing concerns over security (Flash Eurobarometer FL550), the strategy seeks to integrate cybersecurity measures across all EU policies, from border security to financial crime. Key elements include expanding Europol’s mandate, reinforcing Frontex, and establishing a European Critical Communication System (EUCCS) to ensure secure cross-border coordination.

This article breaks down the ProtectEU strategy, its cybersecurity implications, and actionable steps for professionals to mitigate emerging threats.

The ProtectEU Strategy: Key Cybersecurity and Hybrid Threat Measures

1. Strengthening Europol and Cross-Border Law Enforcement

The Commission plans to transform Europol into a fully operational police agency by 2026, enhancing its ability to combat cybercrime, ransomware, and sabotage. Key upgrades include:

• Expanded intelligence-sharing via the Single Intelligence Analysis Capacity (SIAC).
• New tools for tracking ransomware through Europol’s International Ransomware Response Model and cooperation with ENISA’s decryption repository.
• Tighter collaboration with Eurojust and the European Public Prosecutor’s Office (EPPO) to prosecute cybercriminals.

2. Critical Infrastructure Protection

Recent Russian sabotage attacks on undersea cables and energy grids have exposed vulnerabilities. The ProtectEU strategy mandates:

• Full implementation of the NIS2 Directive (2022/2555) and Critical Entities Resilience (CER) Directive (2022/2557).
• EU Cyber Blueprint for crisis response, pending Council approval.
• Stress tests for energy, transport, and telecom sectors, following 2023 energy sector trials.

3. Countering Ransomware and Cyberattacks

With global ransomware costs projected to hit €250 billion by 2031, the EU will:

• Enforce mandatory incident reporting under NIS2 and the Cyber Resilience Act.
• Enhance public-private threat intelligence sharing via ENISA and Europol.
• Develop post-quantum cryptography (PQC) standards by 2030 to safeguard encrypted data.

4. Securing Supply Chains and Reducing Dependencies

To mitigate risks from Chinese and Russian tech suppliers, the EU will:

• Revise the Cybersecurity Act (2025) to enforce stricter ICT supply chain rules.
• Promote EU-based cloud services with higher security standards.
• Deploy the European Quantum Communication Infrastructure (EuroQCI) for ultra-secure data transmission.

5. Combatting Hybrid Threats: Disinformation and Cyber Espionage

The strategy highlights Russia’s hybrid warfare tactics, including:

• Cyberattacks on elections (e.g., AI-driven deepfakes).
• Weaponized migration via Belarus.
• Critical infrastructure sabotage.

Countermeasures include:

• Stricter enforcement of the Digital Services Act (DSA) to curb disinformation.
• DSA Incident Response Framework for rapid crisis coordination.
• EU Hybrid Rapid Response Teams to assist member states under attack.

6. Strengthening Border and Transport Security

• Frontex to triple its border guards to 30,000 for enhanced surveillance.
• New EU Ports Strategy (2025) to secure maritime supply chains.
• Automated travel data checks via Entry-Exit System (EES) and ETIAS.

10 Expert Recommendations to Mitigate Cyber & Hybrid Threats

1. Adopt Zero Trust Architecture: Verify all access requests, even from internal networks.
2. Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Mandate MFA for critical systems.
3. Prioritize NIS2 Compliance: Conduct risk assessments for essential services.
4. Implement AI-Driven Threat Detection: Use machine learning to spot anomalies.
5. Backup Critical Data Offline: Protect against ransomware encryption.
6. Train Employees on Hybrid Threats: Educate staff on phishing and social engineering.
7. Join Europol’s Ransomware Task Forces: Collaborate with law enforcement.
8. Audit Third-Party Vendors: Ensure supply chain partners meet EU cybersecurity standards.
9. Deploy Quantum-Resistant Encryption: Prepare for post-quantum threats.
10. Participate in EU Cyber Exercises: Test incident response plans with ENISA and CERTS.

Conclusion

The ProtectEU strategy marks a pivotal shift in Europe’s cybersecurity posture, addressing ransomware, critical infrastructure sabotage, and foreign disinformation. By expanding Europol, enforcing NIS2, and securing supply chains, the EU aims to build a resilient digital ecosystem.

For cybersecurity professionals, the key takeaway is proactive adaptation—whether through Zero Trust frameworks, threat intelligence sharing, or quantum-safe encryption. As hybrid threats evolve, collaboration between governments, enterprises, and law enforcement will be critical in safeguarding Europe’s digital future.

Sources:

• European Commission: ProtectEU Strategy (COM/2025/148)
• Europol EU-SOCTA 2025 Report
• ENISA Threat Landscape 2025
• Flash Eurobarometer on EU Security (FL550)