Cybercrime manifesto stalled by European Commission

The recommendations, which are designed to help member states cooperate to fight electronic fraud and crime, are now expected to be published on 29 December.

Per Haugaard, spokesman for the EC's Enterprise and Information Society Directorate, said the report will be the EC's contribution to the growing debate on online criminal activity. "It's a way to address the concerns of users and the industry over internet insecurity," he said.

The EC is aiming to raise industry and consumer groups' awareness of the threat cybercrime poses, and encourage better cooperation between member states and law enforcement agencies.

The paper is also expected to outline details of a planned cybercrime forum to aid swifter cooperation on a European level.

"These are 'soft law' recommendations," Hauggard told silicon.com. "We want to help boost consumer confidence and internet use in Europe."

According to the EC, its recommendations will be complementary to the Council of Europe's draft cybercrime treaty published in September and ratified by the US Department of Justice earlier this month.

"This is our shot at the debate as enshrined in the e-Europe action plan," Hauggard added.