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Romania Pays the Cyber Price for Backing Ukraine. Where Is the EU?

Romania’s water agency, coal‑power producer and oil‑pipeline operator have suffered ransomware attacks linked to Russian‑aligned groups such as Qilin and Gentlemen, which the country’s top cyber official says are timed with its support for Ukraine. The EU possesses a cyber‑sanctions toolbox, yet since its 2019 launch it has designated only 17 individuals and four entities, leaving Russian‑backed ransomware largely unchecked. The author argues that the EU’s unanimity requirement lets a single member veto designations, slowing response and encouraging further hybrid attacks on European critical infrastructure. Strengthening the sanctions regime and enforcing stricter cyber‑hygiene standards could raise costs for attackers and signal a more robust European security posture.