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Brussels (pte033/11.02.2003/12:30) - The European Commission http://www.europa.int (EC) has announced plans to create a "European Network and Information Security Agency". As a central location for issues such as computer crime and security in e-commerce, the agency should provide a link between member states and European political organs.
The EU further hopes the organisation will support each member's computer emergency response team and ease the coordination of security initiatives with third states.
EU Commissioner for the Information Society Erkii Liikanen said: "The EU will profit from the better coordination among member states. Such coordination is of fundamental importance for the secure functioning of networks and information systems in Europe."
Internet security has been deemed one of the most urgent issues in the European community. As Internet use increases and other electronic forms of communication appear, EU representatives warn that the demand for security measures will only increase.
However the new organisation should not act as a law enforcement agency. It should mainly be a place of coordination and consulting.
The EC will decide whether to go forward with the proposal for a cyber security agency during its session in Strasbourg today. The Ministerial Council will then have six months to decide where the new agency will be located.
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