A/76/187 III. Replies received from intergovernmental organizations European Union [Original: English] [31 May 2021] Cyberspace, and in particular the global, open Internet, has become one of the backbones of our societies. It offers a platform that drives connectivity and economic growth. The European Union and its member States support a global, open, stable and secure cyberspace grounded in the rule of law, human rights, fundamental freedoms and democratic values that bring social, economic and political development globally. As the Internet becomes more embedded in our lives, a number of the same issues we face in the physical world arise in cyberspace. Cyberspace is increasingly exploited for political and ideological purposes, and increased polarization at the international level is hindering effective multilateralism. The threat landscape is compounded by geopolitical tensions over the global and open Internet and over control of technologies across the whole supply chain. The malicious targeting of critical infrastructure is a major global risk. Restrictions of and on the Internet, the increase in malicious cyberactivities, including an increase in activities affecting the security and integrity of information and communications technology (ICT) products and services, threaten global and open cyberspace, as well as the rule of law, fundamental rights, freedom and democracy. The European Union and its member States have regularly expressed concern about such malicious activities, which undermine the rules-based international order and increase the risks of conflict. Efforts taken at the national level to strengthen information security and promote international cooperation in this field The European Union and its member States strongly support the aforementioned vision of an open, free, stable and secure cyberspace, by advancing and implementing an inclusive and multifaceted strategic framework for conflict prevention and stability in cyberspace, including through bilateral, regional and multi-stakeholder engagement. As part of this strategic framework, the European Union works to strengthen global resilience, advance and promote a common understanding of the rules-based international order in cyberspace, and develop and implement practical cooperative measures, including regional confidence-building measures between States. Strengthening global cyberresilience is a crucial element in maintaining international peace and stability, by reducing the risk of conflict and as a means of addressing the challenges associated with the digitalization of our economies and societies. Global cyberresilience reduces the ability of potential perpetrators to misuse ICT for malicious purposes and strengthens the ability of States to effectively respond to and recover from cyberincidents. The cybersecurity strategy entitled “An Open, Safe and Secure Cyberspace”, 13 of 2013, as well as the subsequent policy documents, instruments and strategies cited below, represent the European Union’s comprehensive vision on how best to prevent and respond to cyberdisruptions and cyberattacks. They are aimed at promoting European Union values and ensuring that conditions are in place for the digital economy to grow. Certain specific actions are aimed at enhancing the cyberresilience of information systems, reducing cybercrime and strengthening European Union international cybersecurity policy and cyberdefence. __________________ 13 21-10045 See joint communication to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions entitled “Cybersecurity Strategy of the European Union: an Open, Safe and Secure Cyberspace”. 41/46