The war in Ukraine has brought about not only a humanitarian crisis that was unimaginable only a few months ago in the 21st century, in Europe but also a set of unprecedented challenges and risks. Whilst Europe faces its biggest security challenge of the last 30 years administrations, businesses and critical infrastructures need to adequately prepare for hybrid warfare and find solutions for cyber and network security as well as energy and food security. Given the enabling role of connectivity and digitalisation, understanding the investment gaps and swiftly addressing their root causes is more important and pressing than ever.

European critical infrastructure and communications networks in particular are likely to become ever more prevalent targets for cyberattacks. As cyberspace actors get increasingly sophisticated, the challenge of security becomes harder. Every government, organisation, network, and individual will experience cyber-attacks, and some will be successful. Therefore, the focus should be on a holistic and risk-based approach to re-enforce both cyber defences and network resilience.

Cyber threats do not respect borders, attacks cut across country boundaries and our responses need to do the same. Efforts to improve cyber security and network resilience must be pan-European (and not fragmented, localised), leading to a consistent and harmonised approach that utilises the full strength of the Single Market. Developing effective partnerships between governments and the private sector will also be key to increase both investments and necessary capabilities to tackle this growing threat to our political institutions, economies, societies, and way of life.

• Programme

  Opening remarks

  Marina Kaljurand MEP, EIF Steering Committee Member

  Speakers

  Kamila Kloc, Deputy Director in Directorate B Connectivity, DG CNECT, European Commission

  Christian-Marc Lifl?nder, Head, Cyber and Hybrid Policy Section, NATO 

  Norman Heit, Group Corporate Security Director, Vodafone Group

  Hans Petter Holen, Managing Director, Ripe NCC

  Moderator

  Maria Rosa Gibellini, Director General, European Internet Forum

  Exchange of views with the participants under the Chatham House rule