EU Cyber Direct – EU Cyber Diplomacy Initiative

Wrapping up the European Cyber Diplomacy Dialogue 2024! On 4-5 November, experts, diplomats, and policymakers gathered at the European University Institute in Florence for a deep dive into the future of cyberspace governance and strategies to reinforce a value-grounded approach to #cyber. This annual retreat offered a valuable space to discuss aligning the EU’s cyber diplomacy efforts with broader foreign policy objectives. The dialogue focused on bridging global negotiations with internal integration, ensuring a cohesive and proactive approach. Key discussions addressed the EU’s role in shaping norms on responsible state behaviour in #cyberspace within the UN framework, structural challenges posed by emerging technologies, and fostering responsible innovation. We extend sincere thanks to our distinguished speakers, participants, and to the EUI for the excellent collaboration.

🔎 Insights on accountability in cyberspace in Latin America 🌎 The region faces unique #cybersecurity challenges, including militarisation, economic instability, and dependency on foreign providers for digital infrastructure. In our latest research, Louise Marie Hurel explores how Latin America interprets accountability and highlights the need to place this discussion within a historical, regulatory, economic, and cultural context. Read the full paper here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/d9MTai9c. In proud collaboration with The Stimson Center. 

What is the role of private entities in hybrid warfare? Hybrid warfare poses a significant challenge to global security. Private entities, particularly those overseeing critical infrastructure (#CI) and critical information infrastructure (#CII), are increasingly targeted in this complex threat environment. Our latest blog article explores the dual role of private entities in hybrid warfare, emphasising their strategic importance in defending national security. As hybrid threats evolve, these entities are not just passive targets but active partners in preparation, incident response, and crisis management. However, this also brings legal and policy challenges that need to be addressed. 📌 Read more from our former Fellow, Dr. Troy Smith, here: https://lnkd.in/ePXntin4

🔍 Cyber capacity building in focus In our latest research paper, Andrea Calderaro examines the critical role of international cooperation and Cyber Capacity Building (#CCB) in enhancing accountability and inclusivity within #cybersecurity governance. The research underscores the importance of ensuring that all actors, including civil society and industry, have the instruments to follow and engage in the processes where norms are negotiated. Read more below or here ➡️ https://lnkd.in/dMnJAvAh in cooperation with The Stimson Center.

BLOG | Limiting Internet Blackouts Crucial to Peace and Security in Africa 📝 In our latest post, Nnenna Ifeanyi-Ajufo discusses how defining a firm framework on internet access during conflicts should become an important agenda for addressing the challenges of peace and security in Africa. 🌍 As the region continues to face several armed conflicts and waves of military coups, civilian voices should be central to defining lasting solutions to these conflicts. For the African Union to achieve its aspiration to ‘Silence the Guns,’ citizens’ rights to internet access during conflicts should be prioritised. 🔗 Read the full #DirectionsBlog post: https://lnkd.in/en7JgvVy

🌐 Deterrence and Accountability in Cyberspace 🌐    As digital threats become increasingly prevalent, states are adapting their strategies for accountability and deterrence in cyberspace. To effectively prevent malicious behaviour, we must embrace a multifaceted approach that combines three primary methods:    1️⃣ 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐞𝐧𝐯𝐢𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭: Establish clear norms and frameworks that define responsible behaviour in cyberspace.   2️⃣ 𝐏𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫: Articulate clear response mechanisms to potential adversaries. If actors understand the costs associated with launching specific types of cyberattacks, they may be more likely to reconsider their actions.   3️⃣ 𝐃𝐞𝐧𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐝 𝐛𝐞𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐮𝐫: Pursue an active defensive approach focused on denying malicious activity before it even has the chance to arise.   Learn more in our latest research paper by Taylor Grossman here 👉 https://lnkd.in/djV72Y8p in cooperation with The Stimson Center.

BLOG | A Calm Before the Storm? UN dialogue on international cybersecurity agrees on priorities, but leaves future uncertain The eighth session of the #OEWG on ICT security has successfully concluded with the adoption of the third Annual Progress Report. The path forward is uncertain as the group seeks clarity on its future format and focus of regular institutional dialogue, substantive proposals and its ambition amid a weakening consensus on matters of international security. With just one year remaining, the OEWG is entering a critical phase of its mandate. In this #DirectionsBlog article, Pavlina Pavlova shares her insights from the session, offering a deep dive into the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. 🔗 Read the full analysis: https://lnkd.in/dtcJwfsS

Day two of the OEWG 🇺🇳   Today, in-between the ongoing negotiations, we held a briefing focused on enhancing our Fellows' understanding of the European Union's role at the United Nations, specifically in the context of ICT security.   We were joined by Manon Le Blanc from the European External Action Service and Johannes Hamacher from European Union Delegation to the United Nations, who kindly provided a comprehensive overview of the EEAS's work and their efforts surrounding the UN #OEWG and cyber diplomacy. Their insights enriched our knowledge and underscored the critical importance of international collaboration in ensuring ICT security.   This session also offered an opportunity to reflect on regional cooperation and future opportunities. Such discussions are central to the #EUCDfellowship's mission to foster global cooperation and contribute to the UN framework for responsible state behaviour, paving the way for a secure digital future.   🙏 A big thanks to all for your valuable contributions.

The 8th substantive session of the OEWG on ICTs is here! 🇺🇳 🌐 We kicked off the week with a briefing by the stakeholder community alongside our Fellows, who, as part of the #EUCDfellowship, are with us in New York to participate in the session. It was an honour to have Allison Pytlak, Christina Rupp, and Louise Marie Hurel with us, sharing insights on their organisations, the work they do, and how it ties into the UN #OEWG. The aim was to enhance our Fellows' understanding of stakeholder roles and their contributions to the UN OEWG. 💡 The interesting questions that were raised and conversations that followed touched upon the added value of stakeholder inclusion, the modalities of stakeholder participation, and more. Thanks to everyone for participating, and to our partnering project EU CyberNet for the excellent cooperation.

Cyber & foreign policy: time to bridge the silos!   Cyberspace is at the core or our interconnected world and mainstreaming it into foreign policy strategies is crucial.   We gathered experts yesterday to brainstorm how to better integrate EU #cyber strategy into the broader foreign and security policy agenda. The discussion focused on overcoming silos and leveraging cyber as a strategic tool.   The event delved into two sessions: ➡ 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 1 explored the distinctive elements of cyber diplomacy, operations, and capacity building. Discussions focused on attribution challenges, plausible deniability, and the role of technology. ➡ 𝐒𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 2 examined why cyber shouldn't be treated as a separate domain and is just another side of military operations, diplomacy or security strategies. This timely roundtable provided a valuable platform for discussing how the EU can harness the potential of cyberspace and strengthen its strategic posture in the face of evolving geopolitical realities. Andrea Salvi, Ph.D. Steven Everts, Benedikta von Seherr-Thoss, Manon Le Blanc. #cybersecurity #EU #foreignpolicy #internationalrelations