Protecting Europe's critical infrastructures

Analysing the potential weaknesses of Europe’s increasingly interdependent network of critical infrastructures, as well as the risks to its security, is the goal of the DIESIS (Design of an
Interoperable European federated Simulation network for Critical InfraStructures) project.

The main task of the initiative, which is funded under the Seventh Framework Programme (FP7), will be to design a simulation and modelling tool that can be used across Europe.

Energy, telecommunications, health, transport and water are just a few of the many critical infrastructures that a country relies on for the smooth running of its economy and for ensuring the
well-being of its people.

Over the years, these infrastructures have become highly interconnected and dependent on one another, especially in Europe. A breakdown in one service can therefore lead to a domino effect of
disruptions. This was seen not so long ago when a high-voltage power line in Germany was unexpectedly shut down, resulting in a two-hour power cut in 11 other European countries.

Since these disruptions cannot be studied in real time, researchers rely on modelling and simulation environments to assess the potential weaknesses of and risks to these complex infrastructure
networks. Several simulators of this kind currently exist in Europe, but none are capable of simulating the interactions between multiple dependent infrastructures.

This is where the DIESIS project comes to the rescue. Bringing together experts from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the UK, the project will design an e-platform to support interoperable
simulations and research conducted by Member States on critical infrastructure protection.

To prepare the way for the platform, the project partners will, over the next two years, perform a conception design study. This will involve analysing in detail the requirements of
researchers, industrial stakeholders, infrastructure operators, decision-makers and governmental organisations.

Extensive common terminological basis (ontology) and communication protocols will be developed, along with concepts enabling interoperability among heterogeneous and distributed modelling and
simulation technologies.

Following this phase, the project will then assess scientific, technical, financial and legal feasibility, as well as the potential impact of such an e-infrastructure. If feasible, a prototype
of such an e-infrastructure will be developed, along with a roadmap for deployment.

The platform will come under the umbrella of the European Infrastructures Simulation and Analysis Centre (EISAC), which is to be established later in the process. Potential users of EISAC
comprise research groups, public security offices, corporate research departments of operators of critical infrastructures, other industrial stakeholders and Member State governments.

For further information, please visit:
https://www.diesis-project.eu/