MEPs of the European Conservatives and Reformists Group have warned that the European Union must urgently strengthen its cyber resilience and technological preparedness as artificial intelligence systems rapidly evolve and cyber threats become increasingly sophisticated.

During a plenary debate in Strasbourg, the ECR Group stressed that the protection of critical infrastructure, public services and democratic stability must become a strategic priority, while ensuring that new regulation does not undermine Europe’s competitiveness or fundamental freedoms.

ECR MEP Stefano Cavedagna, Vice-Chair of the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, warned that cyberattacks on critical infrastructure are no longer hypothetical scenarios, but real threats directly affecting European citizens.

Cavedagna said:

“Today we are talking about an issue of national and European security: cybersecurity, which is becoming increasingly important for citizens, individuals, businesses, and also for the fundamental and strategic sectors of our nations.”

“Just imagine the damage that could be caused if a server managing all the healthcare data of our European citizens were to remain blocked for several days. Is this not a matter of national security? Is this not a matter of European security?”

Cavedagna called for greater investment in Europe’s cybersecurity capabilities and the protection of critical infrastructure.

Beata Szydło MEP, ECR Coordinator in the Special Committee on the European Democracy Shield, warned that Europe risks falling further behind in the global technological race if it fails to strike the right balance between security, innovation and freedom.

Szydło said:

“The European Union has introduced too many regulations that have paralyzed the economy and European industry, and today we are witnessing that we are becoming increasingly less competitive. Nevertheless, we must learn from what has happened, and we cannot currently end up in a situation where we are truly competitive in this race for the development of artificial intelligence.”

“We witness cyberattacks almost daily, and therefore, it is necessary to introduce rules and regulations that will protect European citizens and the European economy. Nevertheless, let us remember one thing: the line between freedom of speech and leading to a situation where this regulation will paralyze everyone is very thin.”

The ECR Group calls for stronger cybersecurity preparedness, more effective protection of critical infrastructure and a European approach that strengthens security without suffocating innovation and competitiveness.