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Official Journal of the European Union
EN
C series
C/2024/4371

5.7.2024

COUNCIL RECOMMENDATION
of 25 June 2024
on a blueprint to coordinate a response at Union level to disruptions of critical infrastructure with significant cross-border relevance Text with EEA relevance
C/2024/4371

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION,
Having regard to the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union, and in particular Article 292 in conjunction with Article 114 thereof, Having regard to the proposal from the European Commission, Whereas:
1

The reliance on resilient critical infrastructure and resilient critical entities providing services that are crucial for the maintenance of vital societal functions, economic activities, public health and safety, or the environment, is fundamental for the smooth functioning of the internal market and society as a whole.

2

In the current evolving risk landscape and in light of growing interdependencies between infrastructure and sectors and, more broadly, interconnections between sectors and borders, there is a need to address and enhance the protection of critical infrastructure and the resilience of critical entities operating such infrastructure.

3

An incident which disrupts critical infrastructure and thereby disables or severely hampers the provision of essential services may have significant cross-border effects and negatively impact the internal market. In order to ensure a targeted, proportionate and effective approach, measures should be taken to address, in particular, critical infrastructure incidents with significant cross-border relevance, as specified in this Recommendation.

4

A coordinated response to such an incident with significant cross-border relevance might prove essential in order to avoid major disruptions in the internal market and to ensure the restoration of the provision of the affected essential services as soon as possible, since such an incident may have serious consequences on the economy and citizens in the Union. A timely and effective response at Union level to such an incident requires swift and effective cooperation amongst all relevant actors and coordinated action supported at Union level. Such response relies, therefore, on the existence of previously established and, to the extent possible, well-rehearsed cooperation procedures and mechanisms with specified roles and responsibilities of the key actors at national, bilateral, multilateral and, where relevant, Union level.

5

While the primary responsibility for ensuring response to significant critical infrastructure incidents rests with the Member States and the entities operating critical infrastructure and providing essential services, increased coordination at Union level may be appropriate in case of disruptions with significant cross-border relevance.
A timely and effective response may be dependent not only on the deployment of national mechanisms by Member States but also on coordinated action supported at Union level, including having relevant cooperation in a swift and effective manner.

6

Responding to critical infrastructure incidents, including those with significant cross-border relevance, is the primary responsibility of the competent authorities of the Member States. This Recommendation does not affect Member States responsibility for safeguarding national security and defence or their power to safeguard other essential State functions, in particular concerning public security, territorial integrity and the maintenance of law and order, in accordance with Union law. This Recommendation, therefore, does not apply to critical infrastructures that carry out activities in those areas. Furthermore, this Recommendation does not affect national processes, such as the communication and liaison of entities operating critical infrastructure with the competent national authorities. This Recommendation applies without affecting relevant bilateral or multilateral arrangements concluded by and between Member States.

ELI: http data.europa.eu/eli/C/2024/4371/oj
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