NIS 2 Directive Article 14 – Cooperation Group

In the digital age, cybersecurity has become a crucial aspect of daily life, business operations, and national security. To address the growing cyber threats and enhance cybersecurity measures across the European Union (EU), the NIS 2 Directive Article 14 establishes a Cooperation Group. This Group aims to support strategic cooperation and information exchange among Member States, enhancing trust and confidence in cybersecurity practices.

• Establishment and Composition of the Cooperation Group:

• The Cooperation Group comprises representatives from Member States, the European Commission, and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). Additionally, the European External Action Service serves as an observer in the Group. European Supervisory Authorities and competent authorities under Regulation (EU) 2022/2554 are also eligible to participate. Furthermore, the Group may invite the European Parliament and relevant stakeholders to contribute to its discussions. The Commission provides the secretariat for the Cooperation Group.

• Key Tasks and Responsibilities of the Cooperation Group:

• The Cooperation Group is tasked with several responsibilities aimed at strengthening cybersecurity cooperation and resilience within the EU. These tasks include:

• Guiding competent authorities in transposing and implementing the NIS 2 Directive effectively.

• Providing advice on coordinated vulnerability disclosure policies to enhance cybersecurity risk management.

• Sharing best practices and information on cyber threats, incidents, vulnerabilities, training, and capacity building among Member States.

• Collaborating with the Commission on cybersecurity policy initiatives and sector-specific requirements to ensure a cohesive approach to cybersecurity across the EU.

• Offering input on draft delegated or implementing acts related to cybersecurity regulations.

• Sharing best practices with Union institutions and agencies to foster a culture of continuous improvement in cybersecurity measures.

• Discussing the implementation of sector-specific Union legal acts to effectively address cybersecurity challenges in various industries.

• Reviewing peer review reports and making recommendations for enhancing cybersecurity practices and resilience.

• Conducting coordinated security risk assessments of critical supply chains to identify and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

• Addressing mutual assistance cases and coordinating joint supervisory actions to respond effectively to cyber incidents.

• Providing strategic guidance to the CSIRTs network and EU-CyCLONe initiative to strengthen incident response capabilities.

• Review follow-up actions after large-scale cybersecurity incidents to learn from past experiences and improve response strategies.

• Facilitating exchanges through capacity-building programs to enhance cybersecurity skills and knowledge among stakeholders.

• Organizing joint meetings with private stakeholders to address policy challenges and foster public-private collaboration in cybersecurity efforts.

• Discuss cybersecurity exercises and ENISA's work to improve preparedness and response capabilities.

• Establishing peer review and self-assessment methodologies in collaboration with the Commission and ENISA to enhance cybersecurity practices continuously.

In conclusion, the Cooperation Group established under NIS 2 Directive Article 14 plays a vital role in promoting cybersecurity cooperation, information sharing, and best practices among Member States within the EU.

By fostering collaboration and trust, the Cooperation Group aims to strengthen cybersecurity resilience and ensure a more secure digital environment for individuals, businesses, and governments across the European Union.