The European Commission’s Joint Research Centre published a proposed strategy for countering hybrid threats on October 23. Developed with the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats, the study addresses operations that combine tools such as cyberattacks, disinformation, unmanned vehicles and pressure on public institutions.

Its framework has three stages: proactive anticipation, active defence and reactive deterrence. The first emphasizes preparation and resilience in government, civic life and essential services. The second focuses on detecting an operation, identifying responsible actors and understanding the wider campaign behind individual events.

The final stage concerns coordinated responses intended to increase the cost of hostile activity. The authors argue that reliable attribution is important because decision-makers need a defensible basis for action, and that responses are more effective when EU institutions, member states and international partners work together.

This is a research proposal, not a newly enacted security rule or authorization for any specific countermeasure. The Joint Research Centre says the findings support work on a proposed emergency security protocol and counter-hybrid-threat playbook. Political institutions would still determine whether and how those ideas become operational policy.