On 26 March 2025, experts from policy, industry, and academia gathered in Brussels and online for a workshop titled 'Global and Actor-Specific Perspectives on Cyber Accountability and Deterrence'.
It was part of the workshop series the EU Cyber Direct – EU Cyber Diplomacy Initiative organises under the European Cyber Agora 2025 workstream accountability and deterrence in cyberspace. This workstream seeks to strengthen Europe's role in promoting and upholding international norms and fostering responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. Through a multi-stakeholder approach, the aim of the workshop was to advance a stronger, more united framework for accountability and deterrence, leveraging the collective expertise, perspectives, and resources of all participant.
The workshop consisted of two key sessions:
Session I: ‘Understanding the Global South’s Perspective on Accountability in Cyberspace’
Discussions centred on taking stock of existing frameworks and policies for accountability in cyberspace, notably with a focus on the EU Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox (CDT). Following discussions focused on how well these measures translate to a global audience and the ways in which the EU can improve its messaging and initiatives around accountability. The session also explored gaps in capabilities and how these impact broader accountability efforts.
Session II: ‘Strengthening Deterrence: Effective Actor-Specific Approaches for Emerging Threats’
Building on the stock-taking in session I, this session focused on exploring effective approaches to strengthen cyber deterrence strategies with an actor specific approach. Discussions highlight the need for advancing the effectiveness of deterrence strategies, including better integration of existing frameworks with evolving technologies . The session also considered how the EU can better leverage its tools and mechanisms to develop a more unified and credible deterrence posture given the various strategies and motives of malicious cyber actors attempting to undermine EU interests.
The workstream workshops aims to foster an interactive environment and encouraging open dialogue among a diverse group of participants. To favour active discussion and engagement, the workshop convened academics, cybersecurity experts, industry representatives, civil society, and diplomats from EU Member States.
