The European Commission has unveiled a new plan to strengthen cybersecurity as artificial intelligence continues to change the way cyberattacks are carried out. The strategy focuses on helping governments and businesses respond to AI-powered threats while improving access to advanced AI systems used for cyber defense.
European officials say artificial intelligence is making cyberattacks faster, cheaper, and more effective. Advanced AI models can identify software weaknesses in a short time, allowing attackers to discover and exploit security flaws more quickly than before.
Speaking before the European Parliament, the European Union’s digital chief, Henna Virkkunen, said modern AI systems can create cyber exploits within minutes or hours at a much lower cost than traditional methods. She warned that once these weaknesses are used in attacks, they can threaten critical infrastructure, businesses, and public services.
The new action plan combines existing cybersecurity rules with several new initiatives. It aims to improve cooperation between public agencies and private companies while helping organizations prepare for AI-driven cyber risks.
One key part of the plan is the creation of a European framework that would allow selected organizations to gain structured access to advanced AI models for cybersecurity research and testing. The Commission said the current process for obtaining access to these powerful systems is often unclear and lacks transparency.
Officials believe the new framework will make it easier for trusted organizations to test advanced AI tools before using them to strengthen digital security.
The proposal also highlights Europe’s dependence on artificial intelligence technology developed outside the region. Many of the world’s most advanced AI models are created by companies based in the United States, leaving European authorities dependent on foreign providers for access to cutting-edge technology.
European lawmakers have raised concerns about that reliance. Some argue that Europe has strong research capabilities but lacks enough companies developing advanced AI systems at the global frontier. They say stronger investment in AI infrastructure and innovation will be needed to reduce long-term dependence.
As part of the strategy, the Commission’s AI Office will work with specialized experts to evaluate the risks of advanced AI models before they become widely available in the European market. The reviews are intended to identify possible cybersecurity threats and recommend safeguards where necessary.
The plan also includes practical guidance for businesses on defending against AI-powered cyberattacks. It encourages companies to detect software vulnerabilities more quickly, install security updates faster, and improve protection for critical infrastructure.
Officials also plan to assess how prepared essential services are for future cyberattacks involving advanced artificial intelligence. The reviews will help identify weaknesses in sectors such as energy, transportation, communications, and public services.
The latest proposal comes as governments around the world increase their focus on AI safety and cybersecurity. Rapid advances in artificial intelligence have created new opportunities for innovation, but they have also increased concerns about how powerful AI systems could be misused by cybercriminals or hostile actors.
The European Commission says cooperation between governments, technology companies, researchers, and cybersecurity experts will be essential as AI capabilities continue to evolve. While the action plan provides a framework for addressing future threats, officials acknowledge that Europe will also need stronger domestic AI development to reduce reliance on foreign technology and strengthen long-term digital security.
