DISASTER MANAGEMENT

Shaken by an underwater explosion that ripped through the Nord Stream pipelines in September, European nations are waking up to the task of securing the ocean floors that house the continent’s arteries of wealth. But protecting the vast network of energy pipelines and communications cables that line the surrounding bodies of water comes down to a familiar question: Who’s in charge? That’s because the responsibilities for infrastructure that traverses multiple countries, is privately owned and serves vital national interests are anything but clear. Militaries, with their special skills and equipment...

The coordination of emergency preparedness related to critical information and communications technology infrastructure will be assigned to the National Cyber Security Director. The Ministerial working group on developing the digital transformation, the data economy and public administration endorsed the matter on November 25. Critical ICT infrastructure means, for example, public communications networks and cables. Preparedness relating to this infrastructure is highly regulated and functions well. Responsibility for preparedness is divided between several authorities, and the ministerial working group’s decision will enhance the coordination of preparedness. “Our changed security environment emphasises...