Cybercrime in the EU with a special focus on Directive 2017/1371/EU - the threats posed by cybercrime to the EU's financial interest

Abstract

The financial interests of the EU are afforded a high level of protection from potential risks thanks to various legislative acts. In this regard, Directive 2017/1371 aims to fight fraud through criminal legislation. This research paper focuses on computer fraud together with select 'computer as a target' offences (hacking and denial-of-service attacks) which may threaten the Union's financial integrity. Concerning the chosen 'computer as a target' offences, these are governed by Directive 2013/40/EU, which sets out to approximate the Member States' criminal law on attacks against information systems. In this paper, the link between the above-mentioned directives is highlighted, together with the importance of having coherence between the two. Playing a less central role to this research, the proposed directive combating fraud and counterfeiting of noncash means of payment is also acknowledged. The overarching theme of this research paper will nonetheless centre on select cybercrime offences, especially in light of their potential to harm the EU's financial interests. [excerpt]