From 29 to 31 July 2026, the 5th EU CyberNet Summer School, “Cyber Diplomacy: From Norms to Actions – Governing Cyberspace in a Fractured World”, brought together more than 20 members of the EU CyberNet Expert Pool in Florence, Italy.
Organised by EU CyberNet in partnership with EU Cyber Direct – EU Cyber Diplomacy Initiative and Cyber 4.0, with expertise from the European External Action Service (EEAS), the three-day Summer School provided participants with strategic, legal and practical tools to strengthen cyber diplomacy capacities and support partner countries in engaging effectively in international cyber processes.
The 2026 edition focused on the evolving cyber diplomacy landscape and, in particular, on the transition from political commitments to practical implementation. Sessions explored the UN Global Permanent Mechanism, the implementation of responsible state behaviour norms, and the role of cyber diplomacy tools, including the EU Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox.
The Summer School followed a train-the-trainer approach, equipping members of the EU CyberNet Expert Pool with knowledge and practical approaches that can be shared and applied in future EU CyberNet missions. More than 20 experts representing over 14 countries and a range of professional backgrounds within the cybersecurity field participated in the programme.
EU Cyber Direct contributed to the programme by bringing perspectives on international cyber diplomacy, multilateral cyber processes and the implementation of international norms. The Summer School also provided an opportunity for participants to exchange regional perspectives and connect diplomatic, legal, technical and policy expertise.
As cyber diplomacy increasingly moves towards more structured and continuous forms of international engagement, strengthening the capacity to translate shared commitments into practical action remains essential. The Summer School provided a space for experts to deepen their understanding of these processes and consider how cyber diplomacy can contribute to more effective international cooperation and a stable, rules-based cyberspace.
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 reflections by Andrea Calderaro, EU Cyber Direct Project Director, here.
