Matt Carthy
Question:149. Deputy Matt Carthy asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if he will report on the progress made developing an EU Hybrid Toolbox; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [22790/23]
View answerTuesday, 16 May 2023
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Hybrid threats can be characterized as a mixture of coercive and subversive activity and conventional and unconventional methods which are used by state or non-state actors to achieve specific objectives, while remaining below the threshold of formally declared or actual warfare. Typical methods employed by such actors range across the diplomatic, military, economic, technological, cyber and disinformation domains, often in a coordinated manner.
In recognition of the deteriorating security landscape in Europe following the unprovoked and unjustified Russian invasion of Ukraine last year, the EU has stepped up its work to tackle hybrid threats.
In this regard, the EU’s Strategic Compass, adopted in March 2022, includes a specific focus on hybrid threats, including a commitment to develop an EU Hybrid Toolbox. This will comprise of a range of preventive, cooperative, stability-building, restrictive and support measures, focused on identifying complex and multifaceted hybrid campaigns, and coordinating tailor-made and cross-sectoral responses to them. In addition, a new and complementary Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) Toolbox is also being examined by Member States.
Ireland actively supports the development of these measures at EU level. We are also implementing a range of relevant measures at national level, including increased investment in the National Cyber Security Centre, a Third Country Investment Screening Bill and legislation on relevant vendors in the Communications Regulations and Digital Hub Agency Act. We have also taken measures to safeguard the electoral system and to address disinformation through the Electoral Reform Act and the Online Safety and Media Regulation Act respectively.