Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

'Serious' Hack Strikes EU on Eve of Summit

It's 'a big one,' but officials mum on details

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Mar 24, 2011 3:15 AM CDT

(Newser) – The EU government was hit with a “serious” cyberattack the day before a summit in Brussels. “We're often hit by cyberattacks, but this is a big one,” said an insider. Officials didn’t provide details of the attack, which targeted the European Commission and the EU’s External Action Service. The hack follows a large-scale cyberattack in France. “We are already taking urgent measures to tackle this. An inquiry's been launched,” a spokesman tells the BBC.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy, left, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, right, and Polish President Bronislaw Komorowski, talk during a press conference Monday, Feb.7, 2011. (AP Photo/Czarek Sokolowski)

French President Nicolas Sarkozy speaks during a media conference at an EU Summit in Brussels on Friday, March 11, 2011. (AP Photo/Michel Euler)

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

CLICK BELOW TO VOTE

32%

14%

18%

25%

To report an error on this story, notify our editors.

More Newser Stories

As Crises Spread, Europe Scrambles for an Answer

Even healthier countries now feeling pinch

(NEWSER) - Financial crises in Greece, Ireland, and Portugal have stoked fears for Italy, Belgium, and the more robust Germany as Europe struggles to find a solution, the New York Times reports. Worry that Germany may have to pay the brunt of bailout costs have prompted the sale of its debt; investor concerns are marked by a euro rapidly sinking against the dollar. More»

27 Nations Vote in Massive EU Election

Across continent, angry voters set to punish ruling parties

(NEWSER) - Citizens of 27 nations begin voting today for elections to the European Parliament, and across the continent voters are expected to punish ruling parties and encourage the opposition, including the extreme right. From Ireland to France to Hungary, governments are braced for a protest vote spurred by the economic meltdown, reports the Wall Street Journal. The most closely watched result will be in Britain—where a poor showing for the Labour Party could force Gordon Brown out of office. More»

EU Snubs Talks on New Russia Pact

Retaliation for invasion of Georgia

(NEWSER) - Europe has backed out of talks on a new partnership agreement with Russia in the wake of the invasion of Georgia, the BBC reports. The decision followed an emergency European summit in Brussels. The commission president said Europe could not continue with negotiations "as if nothing had happened." Talks will be suspended until Russia withdraws completely from Georgia, and the EU is prepared to send hundreds of civilians to Georgia to monitor the ceasefire agreement, said an official. More»

Sarkozy Is Europe's New Clinton

French PM scored with diplomatic charm offensive at EU summit

(NEWSER) - Nicolas Sarkozy was the star of the EU’s constitutional summit last weekend, pulling victory from the jaws of defeat with a virtuoso diplomatic performance reminiscent of the former president. The new PM displayed what Der Spiegel called ‘Clintonesque ease’ in solving big problems, returning France to her traditional role as Europe’s diplomat. More»

EU Leaders OK New Treaty

Brussels summit ends with hard-won deal to replace failed constitution

(NEWSER) - EU negotiators pulled an all-nighter and the German chancellor played a risky game of chicken with Poland en route to reaching an agreement on a treaty that will govern the 27-nation body. The deal resurrects much of the ill-fated 2005 constitution while streamlining bureaucracy and introducing a top foreign-policy position intended to beef up the union's worldwide clout. More»

NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS

What is Newser?

Face it: there's too much news. At Newser, we choose the most thought-provoking and entertaining stories from hundreds of US and international sources and reduce them to a headline, picture, and two paragraphs. And we do it 24/7—you can come back morning, noon, night (and in between) for something new that matters. Read less, know more.

Learn more »

Partnering with: Slate

View Newser on the mobile website

'Serious' Hack Strikes EU on Eve of Summit

It's 'a big one,' but officials mum on details

OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

European Union • Europe • cyberattack • Brussels • hack • European Commission

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

As Crises Spread, Europe Scrambles for an Answer

Even healthier countries now feeling pinch

27 Nations Vote in Massive EU Election

Across continent, angry voters set to punish ruling parties

EU Snubs Talks on New Russia Pact

Retaliation for invasion of Georgia

Sarkozy Is Europe's New Clinton

French PM scored with diplomatic charm offensive at EU summit

EU Leaders OK New Treaty

Brussels summit ends with hard-won deal to replace failed constitution

About Us

Site

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?