Gabrielle Botbol 

In my view, professionals across all cyber related roles would benefit from taking part in this kind of programme. It offers a broader perspective, making it easier to grasp the diversity of roles within the ecosystem and the implications of each one. 

This programme allowed me to approach key concepts in an entirely new light:

1) the geopolitical angle and international law – I particularly appreciated the study of international law as applied to cyber; this is an essential aspect that had been missing from my overall understanding of cybersecurity.  

2) Sovereignty – this is a concept I thought I understood well, but I was able to rediscover it from a different angle, becoming fully aware of just how broad and complex it really is. 

Today, technology is no longer just a technical matter, it has become a major strategic, geopolitical and economic lever. That is why the knowledge gained in cyber diplomacy will be particularly valuable for the rest of my career. 

Emmanuel Chagara 

The programme provided a valuable opportunity to move beyond the technical dimensions of cybersecurity and explore the diplomatic, legal and geopolitical considerations that increasingly shape our work. 

I particularly appreciated the discussions on international law in cyberspace especially how principles such as sovereignty, non-intervention, attribution and state responsibility apply to cyber operations. The conversations around multistakeholder engagement were equally valuable, reinforcing the importance of bringing governments, technical communities, the private sector, academia and civil society into cyber diplomacy conversations. I also found the focus on moving from global cyber norms to practical implementation very relevant to the African context. 

The Summer School has strengthened my appreciation of the need for greater African participation in global cyber policy discussions, not simply as recipients of international norms and capacity-building initiatives, but as contributors to shaping them. I leave with new perspectives, practical knowledge and connections that I can apply in my work in Uganda and across the region where I am actively involved, as well as through future EU CyberNet missions. 

Olesya Danylchenko  

With cyber threats constantly evolving, cyber diplomacy is more important than ever. Every day, I see that transparency and coordination are essential as we can only tackle modern cyber threats by working together and being on the same page. 

During the EU CyberNet Summer School 2026, I was impressed by the expert speakers and the highly relevant agenda. Since most countries in the Tallinn Mechanism are European, we practically understand the need to strengthen the EU as a global cyber actor. Exploring the EU’s interests, priorities and red lines in cyberspace was an important takeaway for me. 

Another major highlight was discussing how to bridge the gap between norms and practice. Translating political commitments into real, operational actions is exactly what the global cyber community needs right now. And this is exactly what the Tallinn Mechanism does to strengthen Ukraine’s cyber resilience.   

Lisbeth Laurie 

One of the most valuable lessons for me, during the EU CyberNet Summer School 2026, was understanding that cybersecurity is not only about technology. Effective cyber resilience also depends on trust, cooperation, governance and communication between institutions and States. Learning how international norms, confidence-building measures and cyber capacity building work together changed the way I approach cyber resilience, particularly in the maritime sector. 

I leave the Summer School with a broader perspective and practical ideas that I can bring into my work with partner countries. I look forward to sharing this knowledge and continuing to support governments through cooperation, capacity building and the exchange of good practices to strengthen cyber resilience. 

Background 

EU CyberNet Summer School 2026, titled “Cyber Diplomacy: From Norms to Actions – Governing Cyberspace in a Fractured World” was 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 was 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). Read more here.