NEWTIMES

The problems faced by the European Union in the past few years encouraged the emergence of several scenarios for the bloc`s future. Experts give different forecasts, with many of them being pessimistic. Leaders of the 27 states who gathered in Rome to celebrate the European Union`s 60th anniversary signed the Rome Declaration. The document features a number of interesting points relating to the future of the organization. A deeper look at the declaration reveals that the EU is, in fact, on the verge of new transformations. But the main point here is that there is considerable uncertainty about the essence of these changes. The reason is that the European Union is now facing serious problems.

The issue of participation of our head of state at the summit dedicated to nuclear security was finally brought to a close.

Advances in science and technology contribute to progress for the humankind on many issues. In general, however, this factor is also manifested in the emergence of new threats. In particular, we witness the accomplishments in the information technology field used for malign purposes. Experts already use the new term – cyberwarfare. This phenomenon refers to disabling of certain assets using virtual means, implying new level and scale of the information warfare. It is no secret that this factor constitutes a threat to the entire world. Therefore, we believe that is it the right moment to give it a profound thought.

The term cyberspace is believed to have been first introduced by William Gibson in his roman titled "Burning Chrome" (1984). In the modern sense, the cyberspace defines an open environment used by the computers and computer memories. According to the French philosopher Pierre Levy, cyberspace is a smooth, distinctively precise and interactive space that can be processed virtually, in real time. This space enables reception, transmission, modeling and registration of the information.

Technological advances in cyberspace, an area where countries have started to compete in a manner similar to other domains (e.g., land, sea, air and space) as well as a growing dependence on digital networks have compelled world powers to develop their capabilities in this domain as well. In the 21st century, cyberspace has become a decisive arena for modern warfare and ''cyber influence is an ongoing source of power in the international security arena.'' At the same time, a growing number of Internet users and the increased reliance of economic and social systems on networking have created more direct threats to countries. This essay highlights major current problems in this sphere and proposes the UN's potential role in maintaining international peace and security in cyber domain.