Future of the European Network and Information Security Agency Debated
Citing the growing importance of network and information security, a panel of experts recommends extending ENISA ’s mandate beyond 2009 |
With the end of its mandate in sight, the European Commission has launched a public consultation on the future of the European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA).
ENISA was founded in March 2004 with the objective of “ensuring a high and effective level of network and information security within the Community, (…) in order to develop a culture of network and information security for the benefit of the citizens, consumers, enterprises and public sector organisations of the European Union, thus contributing to the smooth functioning of the internal market.”
The agency was established for an initial period of 5 years, with an evaluation of the agency built into the founding regulation to determine whether its mandate should be extended beyond the original foreseen timeframe.
Prior to the public consultation, which is open until 9 August 2007, an independent panel of experts carried out an external evaluation on the request of the European Commission. The evaluation identifies a number of problematic issues such as resources, remoteness of the Agency and differences between stakeholder expectations. The report also recognises its achievements to date, the growing importance of network and information security and recommends extending the Agency’s mandate beyond 2009.
To participate in the public consultation on the future of ENISA, please visit http://ec.europa.eu/yourvoice/ipm/forms/dispatch?form=EnisaFuture⟨=en