EU – Cyberattacks - Q&A from the press briefing (30 July 2020)

Q: Does France support European sanctions against China, Russia and North Korea in regard to cyberattacks?

A: The 27 EU member states, with France’s support, unanimously adopted sanctions against the perpetrators of cyberattacks targeting European interests and undermining our security.

These sanctions fall within the framework of the cyber sanctions regime adopted on May 17, 2019, and actively supported by France, and its one-year renewal on May 14.

We welcome this unanimous decision; regardless of where they come from, the perpetrators of cyberattacks on the EU and its member states must know that their actions will not go unpunished.

The diverse geographical origins of the individuals and entities designated for this first round of sanctions underscores our overall grasp of cyber threats and our determination to face up to them, regardless of their origin and without focusing on a single nation in particular. This action is therefore consistent with the global nature of this European sanctions regime.

France reaffirms its dedication and active commitment to promoting a cyberspace that is free, open and safe, and in which international law fully applies.