The European Commission has presented on the 27 october 2008 a proposal for a COUNCIL DECISION on a Critical Infrastructure Warning Information Network (CIWIN) (COM(2008) 676 final)

Backgroud of the Decision.

The European Council of June 2004 asked the Commission to prepare an overall strategy to protect critical infrastructure. On 20 October 2004 the Commission adopted a Communication on Critical Infrastructure Protection in the Fight against Terrorism, putting forward suggestions on ways of enhancing European prevention, preparedness and response in the event of terrorist attacks involving critical infrastructures. The Council conclusions on “Prevention, Preparedness and Response to Terrorist Attacks” and the “EU Solidarity Programme on the Consequences of Terrorist Threats and Attacks” adopted in December 2004 endorsed the Commission's plan to propose a European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection (EPCIP) and agreed to the Commission setting up a Critical Infrastructure Warning Information Network (CIWIN).

In December 2006, the Commission proposed a Directive on the identification and designation of European Critical Infrastructure (ECI) and the assessment of the need to improve their protection. At the same time, the Commission launched a Communication on the EPCIP. Together, these documents set out the framework for infrastructure protection in the EU. The Communication sets forth the horizontal framework for protecting critical infrastructures in the EU, explaining how EPCIP (including CIWIN) might be put into effect.

The Justice and Home Affairs Council 5-6 June has reached political agreement on a Commission proposal for a Directive on the identification and designation of European Critical Infrastructure (ECI) and the assessment of the need to improve their protection.

The CIWIN initiative is part of EPCIP, being concerned more specifically with the information-sharing process between EU Member States and an information technology system to support that process. This is part of the European Programme for Critical Infrastructure Protection (EPCIP).

Functionalities and electronic forum of the CIWIN.

The CIWIN shall consist of the two following functionalities:

1. An electronic forum for the CIP related to information exchange.
2. A rapid alert functionality that shall enable participating Member States and the Commission to post alerts on immediate risks and threats to critical infrastructure.

The electronic forum shall be composed of fixed areas and dynamic areas:

1. Expert Working Group Area, to provide support to the work of CIP Expert groups.
2. Project Area, containing information on projects financed by the Commission.
3. Alert Areas, which may be created in the event of an alert being triggered in the RAS, and will constitute the channel of communication during CIP-related activities.
4. Special Topics Area, to focus on specific topics.

The CIWIN will establish as a secure classified system, and shall be capable of handling information up to the level of RESTREINT UE.