ECR MEPs Francesco Torselli (FdI, Italy) and Jessika van Leeuwen (BBB, the Netherlands) have called for stronger cybersecurity, faster information sharing and closer coordination between Member States following a wave of attacks and threats targeting essential services across Europe. Speaking during today’s European Parliament debate on cyber resilience and the protection of critical infrastructure, the two lawmakers called for stronger protection of essential services following cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration systems that caused substantial food losses and a wave of emailed bomb threats targeting thousands of schools in Italy and other European countries.

ECR MEP Francesco Torselli said:

“These are cyberattacks that affect all of us. Europe must do its part by investing in the immediate exchange of information on cyber defence and the protection of strategic infrastructure.

“When we talk about defending our freedom, we are not just talking about tanks and weapons. We are talking about schools, hospitals and our daily lives.”

Addressing the particular vulnerability of Europe’s food supply, ECR MEP Jessika van Leeuwen said:

“These are not isolated incidents, but a systematic attack on our food security. Food waste and empty shelves will affect both producers and consumers throughout the food supply chain. This clearly demonstrates how vulnerable our food security is.

“We must ensure that we produce enough food within the European Union so that we are not dependent on imports. But we must also protect the entire supply chain, from farmer to consumer.”