“EU CyberNet has shown what can be achieved when Europe is working together in structured expert-driven cyber cooperation. With a network of more than 550 experts, 123 stakeholders and over 100 countries reached, the initiative is supporting the EU in becoming a key actor in global cyber capacity building efforts. EU CyberNet continues its forward looking and results-oriented work in strengthening cyber resilience in partner countries.” – Liina Areng, Director of EU CyberNet.
“Cyber capacity building is an essential part of the EU’s external action. With the launch of the second phase of EU CyberNet, we are reinforcing Europe’s ability to support partners in tackling shared cyber challenges and to foster international cooperation and trust. By expanding our engagement to the Indo-Pacific, the EU shows its commitment to building open, secure and resilient digital environments together with like-minded partners worldwide.” – Maria Rosa Sabatelli, Head of Unit for Global and Transregional Threats and Challenges, the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments.
“Estonia, through the Information System Authority as the national cyber security competence centre is happy to continue sharing its knowledge and practical experience in building secure and resilient digital societies. Over the past decades, Estonia has learned valuable lessons in developing digital services and protecting them against evolving cyber threats, and we are committed to making this expertise available to our partners. In the second phase of EU CyberNet, we are glad to partner with GIZ and combine technical excellence and cybersecurity expertise with capacity building and development know-how. This partnership allows us to support the EU in helping partner countries build sustainable and secure digital foundations.” – Joonas Heiter, Head of Estonian Information System Authority
“Through EU CyberNet, GIZ combines its global experience in capacity development and international cooperation with the technical and policy expertise of European partners. Together, we contribute to strengthening digital sovereignty, improving cyber risk management and building more resilient societies in partner countries. This partnership reflects Europe’s ambition to link security and development in the digital sphere.” – Siegfried Leffler, Head of Operations, GIZ International Services.
EU CyberNet 2nd Phase
The 2nd phase of EU CyberNet is designed to deepen and expand the cyber capacity building efforts through a strategic, coordinated and expert-driven approach. This phase will scale up support to EU institutions and partner countries, broaden regional engagement – particularly in the Indo-Pacific region – and strengthen collaboration with other EU-funded initiatives and global partners.
EU CyberNet will continue its core activities: managing the Expert Pool and Stakeholder Community, fostering coordination and cohesion in cyber capacity building, providing on-demand support, assisting in cybersecurity policy and strategy development and strengthening partners’ capacity to engage in international cyber diplomacy processes.
The duration of the 2nd phase will be three years with a budget of 6.6 million euros. EU CyberNet is funded by the European Commission’s Service of Foreign Policy Instruments and co-implemented by the Estonian Information System Authority together with the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit.
- Estonian Information System Authority (RIA) is a national competence centre that shapes and secures the foundations of Estonia’s digital society. RIA develops and manages the central technological platforms of the digital state and ensures the cybersecurity of the country.
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) is a federal enterprise fully owned by the German government whose purpose is to support the German government as well as other clients in achieving their objectives in the field of international cooperation for sustainable development and international education.
EU CyberNet 1st Phase
During its first phase, EU CyberNet established itself as the EU’s flagship initiative for strengthening global cybersecurity capacity. Over six years, it built a network of more than 550 experts and 123 stakeholders, established a regional cyber capacity building centre LAC4, developed a knowledge hub and engaged with 100 countries. EU CyberNet has become the EU’s practical learning and coordination platform, ensuring coherence and efficiency across external cyber capacity building efforts.
Key achievements include providing expert training and tailored assistance to EU institutions, partner countries and EU Delegations; facilitating knowledge exchange through its CCB project mapping tool and training materials; and fostering cross-regional collaboration. The launch of the Latin America and Caribbean Cyber Competence Centre (LAC4) further anchored EU CyberNet’s role as a bridge between Europe and its global partners, providing a physical training centre and a comprehensive portfolio of activities to support capacity building and advance regional and cross-border cooperation across the LAC region.
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