What is the European Vulnerability Database (EUVD)?
The EUVD, or European Union Vulnerability Database, is a centralized platform proposed by the EU to improve cybersecurity transparency and resilience across member states. It aims to provide a comprehensive and authoritative repository of publicly known software vulnerabilities, particularly those affecting products marketed or used within the EU. As part of the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), the EUVD is intended to support developers, vendors, and regulators in identifying and addressing security flaws more efficiently. By harmonizing vulnerability reporting and access, the EUVD will help foster greater trust in digital products and services across the European market.
Henna Virkkunen, European Commission Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy, called the EUVD a “major step towards reinforcing Europe’s security and resilience”. While this is a bold claim, I believe it’s justified, having a regionally managed vulnerability database ensures that cybersecurity standards are tailored to everyone’s needs rather than dictated by a single global entity.
The CVE Crisis
In April 2025, the cybersecurity community faced a significant challenge when the U.S. government’s funding for the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) program, managed by MITRE, was nearly discontinued due to funding uncertainty. For years, MITRE’s CVE Program has been the cornerstone of vulnerability tracking. When MITRE’s funding crisis hit, the industry was left scrambling. For 24 hours, it wasn’t clear whether CVE assignments would continue. Fortunately, a last-minute extension by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) provided an 11-month reprieve, but the incident exposed the risks of relying on a single, government-funded entity for global cybersecurity coordination.
It was in response to these vulnerabilities that the European Union accelerated the development of its own European Union Vulnerability Database (EUVD). The EUVD, backed by ENISA and the NIS2 Directive, is a strong step toward creating a more resilient, transparent, and regionally adaptable vulnerability management system. It aggregates data from EU member state CSIRTs, industry researchers, and other sources, meaning we’re no longer reliant on a single entity’s financial stability.
While decentralization is a step forward, private funding from a consortium of global companies could further strengthen these initiatives, ensuring long-term stability and reducing reliance on government-backed programs. Recent uncertainties around MITRE’s funding have reinforced the need for alternative sources of vulnerability intelligence.
As the industry evolves, we must ask:
- Should vulnerability databases be regionally managed rather than globally centralized?
- How can private sector involvement improve cybersecurity intelligence?
- What lessons can we learn from the MITRE funding crisis to prevent future disruptions?
- The EUVD is a step forward, but it’s just the beginning of a much-needed conversation. What are your thoughts?
