The European Commission presented a new strategy to protect open internet and online freedom and opportunity, which articulates the EU's vision of cyber-security in terms of five priorities: Achieving cyber resilience, drastically reducing cybercrime, Developing cyber defence policy and capabilities related to the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), developing the industrial and technological resources for cyber-security, and establishing a coherent international cyberspace policy for the European Union and promoting core EU values.

A new cybersecurity strategy – "An Open, Safe and Secure Cyberspace" - alongside a Commission proposed directive on network and information security (NIS), was presented by the European Commission, together with the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Recently, ENISA also published a new EU report listing the top cyber threats and their trends in 2012.

According to the Commission, the new cybersecurity strategy represents the EU's comprehensive vision on how best to prevent and respond to cyber disruptions and attacks. This is to further European values of freedom and democracy and ensure the digital economy can safely grow. Specific actions are aimed at enhancing cyber resilience of information systems, reducing cybercrime and strengthening EU international cyber-security policy and cyber defence.

The Commission stressed that cyber-security incidents are increasing in frequency and magnitude, becoming more complex and know no borders. These incidents can cause major damage to safety and the economy. Therefore, the European institution highlights that efforts to prevent, cooperate and be more transparent about cyber incidents must improve. Previous efforts by the European Commission and individual Member States have been too fragmented to deal with this growing challenge.