Cybersecurity Awareness Month: The EU's Role in Global Cybersecurity and Diplomacy
During the Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the EU actively engages on multiple fronts, including on external action.
In an increasingly interconnected world, cybersecurity stands as a vital pillar to secure the foundations of the global digital transformation. The importance of safeguarding societies, business and citizens from mounting cyber threats cannot be overstated. These threats not only have the potential to disrupt our economies but also challenge our democratic values and societal well-being. Through the lens of cyber diplomacy, the EU is committed to fostering a global, open, free, stable and secure cyberspace, enabling cooperation among nations, and promoting common frameworks to address cyber challenges. This approach not only reinforces our resilience against cyber threats but also positions the EU as a leading advocate for cybersecurity and responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.
European Union, 2025
During the Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the European External Action Service is participating in a number of different events and dialogues on cyber security. These events underscore the EU's proactive role in shaping an open, stable and secure digital landscape grounded in the application of international law globally.
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1 October: Interinstitutional Kick-off Event for the European Cybersecurity Month (ECSM) 2025 and ENISA Cyber Threat Intelligence Conference 2025 dedicated to exploring the latest advancements, best practices, and challenges in the field of cyber threats.
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2 October: Meeting of the EU Cyber Ambassadors’ network aimed at strengthening diplomatic ties, progressing joint initiatives and addressing shared concerns.
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1-2 October: Track 1.5 Dialogue with the Gulf Cooperation Countries on cyber diplomacy in Riyadh. Experts discussed cyber landscape, responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, confidence building measures, and enhancing accountability in cyberspace.
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Mid October:EU-Ukraine Cyber Dialogue will focus on enhancing mutual cyber resilience and joint efforts to tackle cyber threats.
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20-23 October: during the Singapore International Cyber Week, the EU will emphasize the importance of Indo-Pacific partnerships and cooperation in advancing responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.
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25-26 October: the EU will sign the new UN Convention against Cybercrime in Hanoi.
The EU's commitment to addressing cyber threats is also reflected in recent strategic initiatives. As part of the White Paper on Defence and the EU’s efforts to enhance its defence readiness, the EU is boosting the implementation of the 2022 EU Cyber Defence Policy to enhance its ability in tackling evolving cyber threats and fortifying member states’ cyber defence capabilities.
European Union, 2025
Furthermore, the EU continues to enhance accountability in cyberspace, including through its active participation in United Nations discussions on responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, as well as the use of its EU Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox using diplomatic instruments to deter and respond to malicious cyber activities. These initiatives are a testament to the EU’s dedication to maintaining an open, stable and secure digital environment, promote responsible state behaviour and defend itself against cyber threats.
In addition to its diplomatic and strategic cybersecurity efforts, the EU has an extensive portfolio of cyber capacity-building projects globally. These initiatives underscore the EU's dedication to enhance the cyber resilience of partner countries, promoting solid legislation, policies, and frameworks, and building the necessary skills to ensure their secure digital transformation and adhere to the UN framework of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. By supporting diverse projects, the EU is contributing to adequately addressing cyber threats. For more information on these initiatives, you can explore the EU's Cyber Capacity Building projects.