The European Union used some uncharacteristically broad language in its decision approving the framework for bringing new sanctions against cyberattackers, according to a London-based in-house leader.

“This is highly un-technical language for a [European] Council decision,” Alessandro Galtieri, deputy general counsel of global telecom company Colt Technology Services, said Monday. He believed that the EU’s decision during a May 17 meeting in Brussels was deliberately styled to “grant more flexibility” in imposing sanctions.