The European Commission is evaluating how prepared supermarkets are to deal with cyber attacks, after refrigeration systems in dozens of stores in at least six EU member countries failed.
Reports of Disruptions in Refrigeration Systems
Christophe Hansen, Commissioner for Agriculture and Food, announced that these attacks will be discussed at the next meeting of the Commission's Security Council to assess retailers' emergency plans and their ability to respond to such incidents.
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Hansen stated, "Europe's food supply chain must be prepared for new and evolving threats." He also pointed to economic concerns arising from these attacks and the emptying of store shelves for consumers.
Multiple Reports from Six Member Countries
This announcement comes after dozens of supermarkets in Europe reported disruptions in their refrigeration and freezing systems on Monday. These disruptions have been reported in at least six member countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, Sweden, Ireland, the Netherlands, and Estonia, with some retailers stating that refrigerator temperatures suddenly rose to 50 degrees Celsius.
Ursula von der Leyen, the President of the Commission, established the Commission's Security Council in March 2025 to discuss strategic developments and internal and external security threats to the EU.
This council allows commissioners to examine attacks beyond their immediate impact on retailers and frame disruptions within the context of Europe's vulnerability to hybrid warfare, where attacks on essential supply chains can undermine public trust.
The Security Council meets periodically and is separate from the Commission's weekly meetings. At the meeting on Friday, the timing of the next Security Council meeting was discussed, but no specific date was set.
Emphasis on Preparedness and Resilience
Hansen emphasized that Europe's food security is not at risk, but warned that these incidents reveal vulnerabilities in the food supply chain that have consequences for businesses, food waste, and consumer trust. He said, "These are deliberate attempts to disrupt our food supply chain and undermine consumer confidence in it — a warning that must be taken seriously."
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