Brussels: The European Council has given its approval to a declaration by the European Union and its member states on a shared understanding of how international law applies to cyberspace. This declaration emphasizes that international law remains relevant and effective in the digital domain, and it underscores the obligation of states to adhere to certain rules and obligations when engaging in cyber activities. According to Emirates News Agency, the declaration acknowledges the rising incidence of malicious activities in cyberspace, such as ransomware attacks, which are becoming increasingly severe, sophisticated, and impactful. These activities pose a significant challenge and threat to the functioning of European societies, economies, and way of life. Nonetheless, the declaration stresses that cyberspace is not a lawless realm. The declaration highlights the importance of respecting and adhering to the United Nations framework of responsible state behavior in cyberspace as vital to maintaining internatio nal peace, security, and stability. The EU and its member states reaffirm their full commitment to the implementation of the UN framework, which has been adopted by consensus and reiterated several times by the UN General Assembly. This framework affirms that international law, particularly the UN Charter, international human rights law, and international humanitarian law, fully applies to cyberspace. The EU and its member states are committed to collaborating with international partners to establish a single, permanent, inclusive, regular, and action-oriented UN mechanism, known as the Programme of Action, to implement and advance responsible state behavior in cyberspace. Through this declaration, the EU and its member states demonstrate that reaching a common understanding on fundamental principles and rules of international law applicable to cyberspace is achievable. A better global consensus on how international law applies to cyberspace contributes to enhanced global cyber resilience, as well as increa sed transparency, predictability, and accountability for state conduct in cyberspace. In support of this, the EU and its member states continue to assist third countries through training and capacity building on the implementation of the UN framework of responsible state behavior in cyberspace, including guidance on developing a national, regional, or international stance on the application of international law to cyberspace.
