THE OPERATIONAL AND TECHNOLOGICAL SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE EUROPEAN CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE IN THE LIGHT OF ENERGY CRISES

Ricardo P. ARCINIEGA-ROCHA, Vanessa C. ERAZO-CHAMORRO, Szabo GYULA

Abstract


This study explores the operational and technological safety and security of European Critical Infrastructure (ECI) amid escalating energy crises. With the rise of Industry 4.0 and digital technologies—such as IoT, AI, and 5G—CI systems have become increasingly interconnected and vulnerable to cyber threats, natural disasters, and geopolitical tensions. The paper highlights the importance of Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) through multidisciplinary approaches, risk management, and public-private collaboration. Using text analysis and real-world case studies, the authors examine the impact of energy shortages on industrial productivity, economic stability, and societal well-being. The research underscores the urgent need for robust, adaptive strategies to safeguard CI and ensure resilience in the face of growing global energy demands and digital dependencies.


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