On 28 November 2025, EU Cyber Direct – EU Cyber Diplomacy Initiative participated in the annual Cyber Project Community Meeting in Brussels, Belgium, hosted by EU CyberNet. They conveyed EU-funded cyber capacity building (CCB) projects and EU institutions, aiming to coordinate EU external CCB efforts, foster cooperation among projects, and enhance alignment with EU policies.
The meeting explored key themes shaping the future of cyber capacity building. The opening session set the EU perspective, with representatives from the European Commission and European External Action Service (EEAS) sharing updates on EU policy, programming, and strategic priorities in funding and cyber policy development.
Subsequent discussions examined the future of external CCB within the context of international frameworks and conventions, highlighting opportunities to advance EU-funded projects and strengthen synergies across initiatives.
In the second half of the meeting, participants worked in thematic groups to address sustainability and cooperation in external CCB efforts. Discussions emphasised the crucial role of local partners, the importance of adapting activities to local needs, and effective knowledge transfer to ensure lasting impact. Participants noted that closer coordination and sharing of expertise, such as through the EU CyberNet Expert Pool, can significantly increase the impact of CCB actions and reduce duplication of resources.
The agenda featured speakers from EU CyberNet, other CCB projects and implementers, the European Commission’s Service for Foreign Policy Instruments (FPI), Directorate-Generals for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), Enlargement and Eastern Neighbourhood (DG ENEST), and Middle East, North Africa and the Gulf (DG MENA), the EEAS, Council of Europe, e-Governance Academy, European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Training (CEPOL), and ESIWA+.
