COOPERATION OF THE EU AND EASTERN PARTNERSHIP COUNTRIES IN THE FIELD OF CYBERSECURITY: CHALLENGES AND PROSPECTS
Abstract
The article analyzes the peculiarities of cooperation between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries in the field of cybersecurity. The main formats of cooperation between the EU and the countries of the region in the field of cyber defense are highlighted. The key EU instruments for strengthening the cybersecurity system of the Eastern Partnership countries are analyzed. Among them are the EU's Eastern Partnership Initiative, the EU's “EU4Digital” program, and the Association Agreements with Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. The Global Cybersecurity Index of the countries of the region is analyzed. It was found that Azerbaijan and Georgia have the greatest protection of cyberspace, and Armenia and Belarus have the least. Based on the analysis of the Cybersecurity Index, a classification on the criterion of cybersecurity resilience is developed, in particular: states with a high level of cybersecurity (Azerbaijan and Georgia); states with a progressive cybersecurity system (Ukraine, Moldova); states with a weak cybersecurity system (Belarus and Armenia). The key internal and external challenges to the cybersecurity system of the Eastern Partnership countries are analyzed. It is established that there are a number of external challenges, including the geopolitical complexity of the region, hybrid attacks by the Russian Federation, and the lack of desire of some EaP countries to integrate into the EU. The internal challenges to the cybersecurity system of the studied countries include weakness or lack of implementation of cybersecurity strategies, outdated cybersecurity systems, lack of resources to improve the cybersecurity system, and low intensity of implementation of European standards. Recommendations are also made to strengthen cooperation between the EU and the Eastern Partnership countries in the field of cyber defense and countering hybrid challenges. In particular, the integration of the countries of the region into the EU's Digital Single Market should be strengthened, which will allow for a more reliable cyber defense system. The prospects and possible scenarios for strengthening EU-Eastern Partnership countries cooperation in the field of cybersecurity have been considered.
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