“EU CyberNet is looking forward to organising the annual Summer School in Florence, Italy together with EU Cyber Direct, European External Action Service, European University Institute and Cyber 4.0, offering our expert pool a continuous platform for professional development. This edition will focus on cyber diplomacy, because as international cooperation in cyberspace becomes increasingly complex, there is a growing need for experts who can bridge technical knowledge, legal frameworks and diplomatic practices. Our goal is to strengthen our experts’ capacity to assist partner countries navigate global cyber governance, implement responsible state behaviour in cyberspace and translate international commitments into practical action. This helps EU CyberNet and the European Union to support a more secure, stable and rules-based digital environment, while building trusted partnerships and more resilient societies.” – Cecilia Popa, EU CyberNet Expert Pool Lead 

“Protecting transnational connectivity infrastructure demands regular multilateral dialogue, calling for effective cyber diplomacy platforms. No accountability in cyber diplomacy is possible, however, without inclusion of regional perspectives, national priorities, and the support of complementary expertise beyond states. At this crossroads, as cyber diplomacy enters the UN’s permanent Global Mechanism after two decades of ad hoc formats, building cyber diplomacy capacity means not only strengthening states’ diplomatic positioning, but ensuring effective dialogue and knowledge exchange among all stakeholders, including governments, academia, the technical community, and civil society, both nationally and internationally. With this ambition, this year’s edition of the summer school combines regional perspectives and complementary expertise to build a common understanding of the way forward for Cyber Diplomacy.” – Andrea Calderaro, Director EU Cyber Direct – EU Cyber Diplomacy Initiative/EUISS 

“The way we organize cyberspace shapes the very fabric of our societies and our foreign policy. That’s why we need cybersecurity experts who understand diplomacy, and diplomats who understand cybersecurity in practice. EU CyberNet’s Summer School builds exactly that bridge, equipping experts to strengthen the EU’s global posture with partners worldwide.”- Michael Aendenhof, International Partnerships and Cooperation on Cyber and Hybrid Threats, European External Action Service   

“Cyber diplomacy is no longer a niche discipline reserved for diplomats or policymakers. It has become a strategic capability that requires professionals able to connect technology, international law, public policy and operational cybersecurity. At Cyber 4.0, we believe that developing these multidisciplinary skills is essential to building trusted international partnerships and strengthening global cyber resilience. This is why we are proud to contribute to this year’s EU CyberNet Summer School alongside outstanding European partners. Initiatives like this help build a new generation of professionals capable of translating international commitments into practical cooperation. As Cyber 4.0 continues to expand its role in international cyber capacity building, we see advanced education in cyber diplomacy as a natural investment in Europe’s long-term cyber resilience.” – Matteo Lucchetti, Director, Cyber 4.0 

The 2026 edition welcomes more than 20 experts from EU CyberNet Expert Pool, representing more than 14 countries and a variety of backgrounds within the cybersecurity domain and expertise. 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)  

The programme will equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of cyber diplomacy, including strategic, legal and practical tools to strengthen countries’ cyber diplomacy capacities to enable them effectively engage in multilateral processes and respond to cyber threats. Participants will explore evolving cyber diplomacy landscape, examining the principles of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, the application of international law and the role of the United Nations’ processes like UN Group of Governmental Experts (UN GGE) and the Global Mechanisms (Mech). 

The programme will also examine the growing complexity of global cyber governance, emerging challenges, the European Union’s role as a leading cyber diplomacy actor and how global cyber policy is shaped. Through expert-led discussions, panels and practical exercises, participants will strengthen their understanding of how cyber diplomacy intersects with technical cybersecurity, identify opportunities for closer cooperation between diplomatic and technical communities and enhances their ability to navigate international negotiations and build partnerships.  

EU CyberNet Summer School 2026 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.