The European Commission confirmed that recent cyberattacks on supermarket refrigeration systems in several EU member states were not isolated incidents, indicating a broader threat that could disrupt essential services.
Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier told a midday press briefing that the incidents, which forced retailers in Ireland, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Sweden, Estonia and Finland to discard spoiled goods, highlighted the urgent need for coordinated resilience.
"I would be extremely careful when it comes to attributions. It’s not for us to do for now," Regnier said when asked about foreign involvement.
During Tuesday's meetings, an EU interinstitutional task force, Europol, and various Commission departments convened first to assess the situation, followed by a second meeting with national authorities through the European Cyber Crisis Liaison Organisation Network.
The priority of both sessions was to share information about what had happened and determine how best to respond collectively, Regnier added, stressing that the incidents affected several member states.
The coordination effort aims to prevent future disruptions, protect citizens’ daily lives, and maintain food safety by ensuring secure refrigeration systems.
As investigations continue, the Commission urges member states to strengthen cyber defenses and share lessons learned to safeguard essential services across the EU.
