EU CyberNet is well known within the Estonian and European cybersecurity communities. Over six years, the project has strengthened global resilience to cyber threats, shared Estonia’s experience in building secure digital government services and helped Estonian technology companies open new doors in distant markets. Fewer people are aware that, from spring 2025, the project team worked closely with RIA’s management to secure the continuation of the initiative.
In August, those efforts paid off. The European Commission selected the joint bid submitted by RIA and the German Development Cooperation Agency GIZ as the winner for the second phase of EU CyberNet.
Second phase: new partnerships and broader reach
The second phase of EU CyberNet began in September 2025. RIA contributes technical capacity and cybersecurity expertise, while GIZ brings extensive experience in long-term development cooperation. The addition of a new strategic partner increases EU CyberNet’s overall capability but also adds complexity to project management.
During the first phase, EU CyberNet delivered cybersecurity know-how and assistance to Latin America and the Caribbean. Under the new mandate, this support has expanded to the Indian Ocean and Pacific regions, including the Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Fiji and others. The challenge is significant, but we believe that prior experience combined with calm and straightforward Nordic approach will help us meet our objectives.
Training and advisory support
EU CyberNet’s core activities cover a wide range of training and advisory services.
The project has supported newly established computer security incident response teams (CSIRTs), provided advanced technical training for experienced teams, advised governments on cybersecurity strategies and legislation, conducted crisis management exercises and helped partners prepare for international cyber diplomacy forums at the United Nations.
Among particular priorities has been investing in the next generation of talent, engaging young people, and promoting gender diversity in cybersecurity career choices.
A significant success story has been the EU CyberNet expert network, which now includes nearly 600 specialists from government, academia and the private sector. Through this network, EU CyberNet has significantly expanded the scope and quality of its technical assistance and is ready to support all cyber capacity building initiatives funded by the EU or its member states worldwide.
To date, EU CyberNet has delivered more than 250 activities worldwide.
Training courses and exercises have involved more than 13,000 participants from more than one hundred countries. In this way, EU CyberNet has operated as an ambassador‑like platform for RIA, ensuring sustained international exposure to Estonia’s institutional cyber expertise and operational practices.
Building and sustaining communities
Alongside direct assistance to partner countries, the project portfolio has expanded to include a wide range of activities for the European Commission and EU institutions. These include community meetings for EU-funded cyber projects, monthly EU CyberNet Club events, expert short courses and summer schools. Such initiatives foster the exchange of knowledge and good practice and contribute to the development of EU cyber capabilities.
The project’s website hosts a mapping tool developed primarily for the European Commission, which provides an up-to-date overview of all EU-funded cyber-capacity building initiatives worldwide. This consolidated view enables better coordination and strategic planning at the EU level and reduces the risk of funding overlapping activities.
LAC4
As part of EU CyberNet, RIA established a regional cybersecurity competence centre for Latin America and the Caribbean, known as LAC4. Based in the Dominican Republic, this training institution now has 16 member states and has become one of the EU’s most recognisable brands in the region. It continues its work as a standalone RIA project.
Last updated: 11.02.2026
