Local and regional authorities must be given the resources, skills and funding needed to strengthen Europe's cybersecurity and digital resilience, members of the EPP Group in the European Committee of the Regions (CoR) stressed during a debate in the ECON commission on the draft opinion on the Cybersecurity Review and the Digital Networks Act package.
The opinion, adopted by the commission, calls for greater support for local and regional authorities in managing cybersecurity risks and deploying secure digital infrastructure. It advocates dedicated funding, training and technical assistance, while promoting a proportionate, risk-based approach that avoids unnecessary administrative burdens and ensures regions play a full role in cybersecurity governance and digital network planning.
Emil Boc (RO/EPP), Mayor of Cluj-Napoca, said: "Europe's digital sovereignty will only be credible if our local and regional authorities have the capacity, skills and technical expertise to implement it. Cybersecurity is not only a European or national challenge; it is also a local one. Through the future National and Regional Partnership Plans, the EU must invest in digital education, infrastructure and administrative capacity so that no territory and no citizen is left behind in the digital transformation."
Adam Rydstedt (SE/EPP), Member of the Municipal Council of Hudiksvall, underlined the importance of supporting local authorities as new cybersecurity requirements are introduced: "People must feel secure in their everyday lives. That is why we need new requirements, but we must also recognise that we are going through a transitional period. Local and regional authorities need the necessary financial support, and we must ensure that there is no duplication of work and no additional red tape." He added: "Cybersecurity is extremely important for the European Union, but not only in theory — also in practice. Local and regional authorities must be supported throughout the process and fully involved in its implementation."
The EPP Group welcomed the opinion's emphasis on strengthening local and regional capacity, ensuring targeted investment in secure digital infrastructure, and reducing unnecessary bureaucracy while reinforcing Europe's cyber resilience.