By Göksu Başaran
The European Union has imposed sanctions on several companies based in China and Iran, accusing them of involvement in cyber operations targeting European infrastructure and institutions.
In a statement released on Monday, EU officials said the measures were adopted under the bloc’s cyber sanctions regime, which is designed to deter and respond to malicious cyber activities threatening the security of member states. The companies are alleged to have played roles in cyber attacks affecting government bodies, organisations and digital networks within the European Union.
According to EU authorities, two of the sanctioned companies are based in China, while another operates from Iran. Officials said the entities were involved in activities that undermined the integrity and security of European information systems and critical infrastructure.
Under the sanctions, any assets the companies hold within the European Union will be frozen. EU citizens and businesses are also prohibited from making funds or economic resources available to the sanctioned entities.
The move reflects growing concern in Brussels over cyber threats linked to state-backed or state-tolerated actors. European officials have repeatedly warned that cyber attacks targeting institutions, infrastructure and democratic processes pose increasing risks to the region’s security and stability.
In recent years, Brussels has strengthened its cyber defence policies and introduced restrictive measures against individuals and organisations accused of conducting or supporting cyber operations against EU interests.
The sanctions come as the European Union continues to expand efforts to protect digital infrastructure and counter what it describes as hostile cyber activities originating from outside the bloc.