The first session built on the first day as participants continued with discussions on the growing role of multistakeholder community in cyber diplomacy. By bringing together experiences from diplomats, private sector and technical backgrounds, participants examined how these actors contribute to shaping international cyber policy and where interest converge or diverge with a conclusion that meaningful cooperation is essential for a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem.

Following sessions explored the role of the European Union and how the EU turns its cyber diplomacy ambitions into concrete actions. Sessions demonstrated how diplomatic credibility is reinforced at home by explaining how the EU operationalises responsible state behaviour through its Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox, cyber sanctions regime and regulatory layer. Further discussions also examined how EU member states can strengthen their own national cyber diplomacy capacities and how EU approach can be adapted beyond the EU.

In a session dedicated to learning how to connect cyber diplomacy with technical reality, participants and instructors highlighted the importance of close cooperation: effective cyber governance depends on developing a common language across disciplines and involving technical expertise early in policy development to ensure that diplomatic ambitions remain grounded in operational realities.

Focus then turned to the implementation on the ground with experts from different countries sharing their practical experience in cyber diplomacy. This exchange highlighted the diverse challenges faced and opportunities in common global cyber space when strengthening their cyber resilience, underscoring the value of sharing lessons learned across regions and contexts.

Programme concluded by examining EU cyber capacity building as instrument of EU foreign policy and external action. Using initiatives such as EU CyberNet, LAC4, EU Cyber Direct, Team Europe, Global Gateway and region-specific programmes as examples, participants explored how these actions support EU’s broader foreign policy objectives. Such initiatives, when working together to advance a coherent EU approach to global cyber capacity building strengthen partnerships, promote responsible state behaviour and reinforce international cyber stability.

• Photos: https://www.flickr.com/photos/eucybernet/albums/72177720334766480/

EU CyberNet Summer School 2026, titled “Cyber Diplomacy: From Norms to Actions – Governing Cyberspace in a Fractured World” is organised by EU CyberNet in partnership with EU Cyber Direct, and Cyber 4.0,with expertise from the European External Action Service, at the European University Institute in Florence, Italy from 29 to 31 July 2026. Summer School 2026 is led by Isabella Brunner (EU CyberNet instructor),  Andrea Calderaro (EU Cyber Direct, European Union Institute for Security Studies – EUISS) and Michal Aendenhof (European Union External Action Service – EEAS) .