Strengthening cooperation with the EU in cybersecurity: NCCC representatives met with EU ambassadors of the Political and Security Committee

On 3 July 2024, the Ukrainian delegation headed by Nataliia Tkachuk, Head of the Information and Cybersecurity Service of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, Secretary of the NCCC, as well as representatives of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection of Ukraine, and the Security Service of Ukraine met with the EU Ambassadors to the Political and Security Committee in Brussels (Belgium).

The event was supported by the Permanent Representation of Estonia to the European Union and aimed to deepen the awareness of current challenges and opportunities in cybersecurity in Ukraine among the EU ambassadors. Representatives of the Ukrainian delegation shared the experience gained by Ukraine in countering russian cyber aggression, as well as recommendations for partners to strengthen national cybersecurity in the context of a potential military conflict, and updated information on the current state and future cybersecurity initiatives in Ukraine.

Head of the Information and Cybersecurity Service of the National Security and Defence Council of Ukraine, Secretary of the NCCC Nataliia Tkachuk noted that the meeting was an important step towards strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union in cybersecurity.

"We are grateful to our partners for their assistance in building the National Cyber Security System of Ukraine and countering russian cyber aggression, which began in 2014. Today, Ukraine has gained unique experience and capabilities to counteract cyberattacks and special enemy information operations in a full-scale war. However, the terrorist country is waging a cynical and blatant cyber war not only against Ukraine, it has also launched it against our allies - the EU and NATO countries - by attacking critical infrastructure, conducting cyber espionage, interfering with electoral processes, satellite broadcasting and civil navigation systems of the EU", - said Nataliia Tkachuk.

The Secretary of the NCCC also noted that russian cyberattacks are accompanied by large-scale disinformation campaigns and are used as a tool for special information operations against EU citizens.

"It is our duty to strengthen Europe's collective cyber defence by maximising the use of Ukrainian experience and capabilities, as well as developing joint proactive countermeasures", - said N. Tkachuk.

As part of the working visit to Brussels, a number of working meetings were held, in particular, with representatives of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT). During the meeting, they discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union in the field of cybersecurity, strengthening the EU's sanctions policy against Russia in this area, and sharing best practices.

During the working visit to Brussels, a number of working meetings were held, in particular, with representatives of the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT). The meeting focused on ways to strengthen cooperation between Ukraine and the European Union in cybersecurity, strengthening the EU's sanctions policy against russia on this track, sharing best practices and developing joint projects. The parties also discussed key aspects and preparatory issues for the third round of the EU-Ukraine cyber dialogue.