Statement by the High Representative on behalf of the European Union on the protection of democracy

The European Union and its Member States strongly condemn malicious cyber activities targeting democratic institutions and electoral processes.

We closely monitor any attempts of cyber-attacks on our democratic processes, especially in the context of the upcoming European elections. As pressure is mounting on democracy globally, we continue assisting and working with partners against these ongoing cyber threats. In this vein, the European Union and its Member States share the serious concern of the United Kingdom and other partners as stated in their declarations on December 7^th and express our full solidarity. Activities that seek to threaten our integrity and security, democratic values and principles and the core functioning of democracies are unacceptable.

Those activities are contrary to the norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace as endorsed by all UN Members. We continue to promote due diligence and responsible State behaviour in cyberspace and call upon all states to comply with these norms and principles.

We have called out against those activities before. For instance, in 2020 we imposed sanctions on those responsible for the hack of the Bundestag. In 2021, we made a Declaration strongly denouncing malicious cyber activities, collectively designated as Ghostwriter, targeting numerous electoral processes in different EU Member States.

The European Union and its Member States have the responsibility for and are determined to protect and defend our electoral and political processes. We remain vigilant and ready to undertake any action necessary from the EU Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox, including sanctions to prevent and respond to unacceptable cyber-attacks.