Cybersecurity and foreign policy - a new role for Europe?

Cyber-threats continue to increase in numbers and complexity, threatening business, citizens, governments and critical infrastructure globally. But as civilian and military branches of governments develop their cyber-strategies and adapt their defensive and sometimes offensive capabilities, the need for norms becomes ever more urgent. The German Institute for international and Security Affairs’ recent research paper “Due Diligence in Cyberspace. Guidelines for International and European Cyber Policy and Cybersecurity Policy” argues that only concerted common norms, binding on government and civil society alike, can ensure a “free, open and at the same time secure Internet” as a public good.

The discussion will examine how to develop such norms and integrate them into EU, NATO and national strategies and action plans.