Ireland to join European hub: To deal with hybrid threats such as cyber and disinformation

Ireland is set to send representatives to a European center to develop responses to so-called hybrid threats following Cabinet approval.

Hybrid threats are defined as military and non-military as well as covert and overt means which include active spreading of disinformation, cyber attacks, and economic pressure designed by an aggressive opposing state to undermine a country.

This week, Simon Coveney, the minister of defence and foreign affairs, proposed to the cabinet that Ireland join the European Center of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats as a Participating State.

According to sources, doing so would provide Ireland the chance to communicate with the other group members, who would help to strengthen Ireland's capacity to identify, guard against, and mitigate the negative consequences of hybrid threats.

Following the cyberattack on the HSE, there has been substantial discussion about the necessity for a more coordinated and dynamic response to hybrid threats at the government and national security level.

The Center, which is based in Helsinki, Finland, was founded in 2017 by nine nations, all of which were NATO or EU members. States that belong to at least one of the organisations are eligible to join.

According to sources, it is unknown if the Irish delegates would be selected from the civil or military sectors. The majority of Participating States provide seconded employees, either civilian or military, to the Centre.

A variety of coordinated tactics, including malicious cyber activity, disinformation campaigns, the manipulation of issues like migration and energy security, and the abuse of social media to control political narratives, radicalise, and recruit proxies are used by hybrid threat actors, who can be state or non-state actors, to exploit the weaknesses of states.

The Center now has 31 Participating States. With the exception of Ireland and Bulgaria, all EU members are already member nations. Malta's membership is almost complete.

The US, Canada, and Norway are all members; it is anticipated that the steering committee of the Centre will review Ireland's application in November, pending government approval.