Strengthening Europe's cybersecurity: COcyber's Role in the Evolving EU landscape
Europe is facing an evolving digital landscape where cyber threats grow in scale, complexity, and impact. From attacks on critical infrastructure to the increasing vulnerability of businesses and public institutions, the need for a unified cybersecurity approach is more pressing than ever. (check the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity - ENISA Threat Landscape 2024
The COcyber project, a key initiative supported by the European Union, seeks to meet this challenge by fostering collaboration between civilian and defense sectors, ensuring that Europe is better equipped to defend itself against a broad spectrum of cyber threats.
COcyber aligns itself with several key European Union frameworks aimed at strengthening the continent’s cybersecurity capabilities. The project builds on the foundation laid by the European Cybersecurity Strategy, which emphasizes the importance of coordinated cybersecurity measures across Europe and advances this goal by creating a platform that enhances cooperation between civilian and defense sectors, ensuring that they work together to respond to growing cyber threats.
Additionally, COcyber supports the EU Cyber Defence Policy, which seeks to improve the exchange of information between military and civilian cybersecurity communities. By promoting collaboration on issues such as cybersecurity standardization and certification, COcyber will help strengthen the security of both domains, contributing to the broader objective of harmonizing cybersecurity practices across Member States.
The project’s information-sharing platform and cybersecurity observatory further support the goals of the Cyber Solidarity Act by enhancing Europe’s preparedness, detection, and response capabilities. These tools allow civilian and defense sectors to collaborate more effectively with Security Operations Centres (SOCs), and also support the development of the EU Cybersecurity Reserve, which focuses on protecting critical sectors like finance, energy, and healthcare.
COcyber also addresses the needs outlined in the NIS2 Directive, which aims to improve cybersecurity in critical infrastructure sectors. Through its focus on technology transfers and innovation management, the project provides best practices and case studies that help operators of critical infrastructure strengthen their cybersecurity defenses.
In line with the EU Cybersecurity Act, which sets a European framework for cybersecurity certification, COcyber fosters collaboration and knowledge transfer between the military and civilian sectors. Similarly, COcyber supports the objectives of the proposed Cyber Resilience Act, which places essential requirements on digital products. The project encourages dialogue and cooperation regarding technologies that could serve both civilian and defense purposes (dual-use), and cybersecurity standards, ensuring that both sectors contribute to a secure digital market.
By aligning with the objectives of the Digital Europe Programme and promoting innovation, knowledge-sharing, and the development of advanced cybersecurity technologies, COcyber is positioned to enhance the EU’s cybersecurity landscape. It also complements the research and innovation goals of the Horizon Europe Programme, contributing to the development of cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions in collaboration with academic and research institutions.
COcyber is further enhanced by its engagement with the European Defence Fund, aligning civil research and innovation initiatives with defense-focused funding to improve Europe’s defense technological and industrial base. The project also actively supports national and regional cybersecurity strategies, working closely with SMEs, industry, and public authorities to ensure a cohesive approach to cybersecurity across all levels.
COcyber brings together partners with a shared commitment to European cybersecurity resilience: EIT Digital, European Organisation for Security, The Lisbon Council for Economic Competitiveness, Université Libre de Bruxelles, & AUSTRALO. These organizations will lead the development, outreach, and policy activities that will drive the project’s success. By combining their expertise across technology, policy, academia, and industry, these partners are well-positioned to enhance Europe's cybersecurity landscape, fostering innovation and collaboration that will strengthen Europe's defense against emerging cyber threats.