ESORICS, the European Symposium On Research In Computer Security, is the leading research-oriented conference on the theory and practice of computer - curity in Europe. The aim of ESORICS is to further the progress of research in computer security by establishing a European forum for bringing together - searchers in this area, by promoting the exchange of ideas with system developers and by encouraging links with researchers in related areas. ESORICS is coordinated by an independent steering committee. In the past it took place every two years at various locations throughout Europe. Starting this year, it will take place annually. ESORICS 2003 was organized by Gjøvik University College, and took place in Gjøvik, Norway, October 13–15, 2003. The program committee received 114 submissions, originating from 26 co- tries on all continents. Half the papers originated in Europe (57). The most dominant countries were: UK (16), USA (14), Germany (6), South Korea (6), Sweden (6), Italy (5), France (4) andPoland (4). Each submission was reviewed by at least three program committee members or other experts. The program committee chair and co-chair were not allowed to submit papers. The final sel- tion of papers was made at a program committee meeting followed by a week of e-mail discussions. Out of the 114 papers received, only 19 got accepted (17%). In comparison, ESORICS 2000and 2002received 75and 83papersand accepted 19% and 16%, respectively. The program reffected the full range of security research, including access control, cryptographic prools, privacy enhancing technologies, security m- els, authentication, and intrusion detection.