Europe faces challenges in its cyber strategy as its institutions fail to ensure effective deterrence. The problem is institutional, not technical. Europe's economies and supply chains are fully digitalized, but authority over cybersecurity and response is fragmented between national and European bodies. Strategic cyber deterrence is complicated by a lack of clear escalation paths and a shared understanding of which attacks could trigger a collective response. Consequently, Europe often relies on a strategy of 'deterrence by denial', focusing on limiting damage rather than punishing aggressors. This approach reduces vulnerability but fails to deter adversaries, as they face no significant consequences. Effective deterrence requires coordinated responses, clear signals, and a willingness to impose costs, which is difficult to achieve under current conditions. The absence of a unified policy and slow decision-making processes create gaps that adversaries exploit to exert constant pressure without crossing 'red lines' that would provoke a retaliatory strike.
