EU sets up Euro-security agency

Puny budget, educational role

The European Parliament will today vote on a proposal to establish a European Network and Information Security Agency (ENISA). If approved, the agency will promote closer European co-ordination on information security.

Assuming MEPs approve regulations to establish the agency, the proposal will be passed onto the Council of Ministers tomorrow for the final go-ahead.

If set up the ENISA will have an initial four-year budget of ,€24.3 million and commence operation at the start of January next year. Its primary aim will be to improve IT security across Europe, mostlyby promoting the adoption of more rigorous, common security standards.

Representatives from the IT industry, consumer associations and scientists will form the agency's advisory board.

A plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasburg this week will also discuss telecoms regulation proposals and proposals to make e-Government services interoperable across EU member states. ®

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