National Cyber Security Centre to be designated as Finland’s National Coordination Centre for cyber security matters

On 30 September 2021, the Government submitted a legislative proposal to Parliament on designating the National Cyber Security Centre operating under the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency as Finland's National Coordination Centre in the EU for cyber security matters. The new task would strengthen the role of the Cyber Security Centre in supporting Finnish business and industry based on cyber security.

Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing the European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre and the Network of National Coordination Centres entered into force on 28 June 2021. The aim of the Regulation is to deepen the cooperation between the public and private sectors and the research community in the field of cyber security.

Cooperation with the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre established by the EU Regulation and with the network of national coordination centres would strengthen the role of the National Cyber Security Centre and support the development of the Finnish cyber security branch.

As the national coordination centre, it would take on new duties laid down in the Regulation. In particular, these would include tasks related to the establishment of the community of national stakeholders in cyber security and coordination of its operations as well as the national point of contact. Some of the tasks correspond to those that are already the responsibility of the Agency.

Above all, the National Coordination Centre is a strategic investment in improving the Finnish cyber security expertise. Designating the Cyber Security Centre as the Coordination Centre would also support the aims of the Finnish cyber security strategy and of the Government Resolution on the Cyber Security Development Programme.

What's next?

A referral debate will be held on the proposal submitted by the Government to Parliament. The timetable for the debate will be listed on Parliament's website (upcoming plenary sessions).

After the referral debate, the proposal will be taken to a Parliamentary Committee. After the Committee submits a report, the matter will be discussed in a plenary session.

The designation of the National Coordination Centre should be in force by 28 December 2021.

Inquiries:

Laura Eiro, Director General, tel. +358 46 920 4696, Twitter: @EiroLaura

Erica Karppinen, Senior Officer, tel. +358 50 467 1278