European Reference Network for Critical Infrastructure Protection

The European Commission has taken the initiative to organize a network consisting of research and technology organizations within the European Union (EU) with capabilities in critical infrastructure protection. Preparatory studies and roadmapping were carried out in 2009–2010 by the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre on behalf of the Directorate-General for Home Affairs. The characteristics were planned on the basis of the priorities of the EU member state governments and critical infrastructure stakeholders, and in coherence with EU critical infrastructure protection policy in general. The network of laboratories is called the European Reference Network for Critical Infrastructure Protection (ERNCIP). It is intended to be a long-term, sustainable grouping with a light management structure based on existing European laboratories and facilities. Its main objectives are to agree on common test methodologies and standards, recommend security certification schemes, develop methods for laboratory accreditation, promote the exchange of good and best practices for critical infrastructure protection, and help the development of a single market in the EU for critical infrastructure protection related products and services. A searchable inventory of laboratories and facilities has been compiled and has been publicly released, with an invitation to organizations to upload their descriptions. Thematic groups have been established to focus on priority areas; eight thematic groups are currently operational and two others are in the process of being established.