Bucharest, headquarters of cybersecurity of the European Union

Originally published by: Find your digital self | FySelf Blog

The European Center for Industrial, Technological and Research Competence in Cybersecurity already has its headquarters. The Committee of Permanent Representatives of the European Union (EU) selected the city of Bucharest, in Romania.

Romania is the perfect location for the seat of the Center, as the country has high performance in terms of connectivity, cybersecurity, digital development, an impressive number of talented, creative, visionary and innovative IT & Telecom professionals and exemplary gender balance.

Lucian Nicolae Bode, Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure and Communications of Romania, Bucharest 5A + Choice for Cyber

When did the selection process begin?

The selection procedure for the headquarters of the European Center for Industrial, Technological and Research Competence in Cybersecurity began on October 28 of this year. Meanwhile, on December 2, the Commission presented its general evaluation of all the offers received.

Earlier among the proposals submitted to host the headquarters were Brussels (Belgium); Munich, Germany); Vilnius (Lithuania), Luxembourg; Warsaw (Poland), and León (Spain).

Then on December 9, the 27 EU member states exercised their right to vote to decide the seat of this institution. Meanwhile, a political debate on the subject took place in the Council’s Committee of Permanent Representatives (Coreper).

Bucharest, the capital of the Romanian nation, received 15 votes compared to 12 for Brussels. This was decided after a first phase in which Munich, León, Warsaw, Luxembourg and Vilna were eliminated.

Why create this center?

Promoting research on cybersecurity, as well as promoting technological development in the EU are among the purposes for creating this institution. Furthermore, the EU intends to optimize cyber-resilience.

This new type of center for the EU would have basically two essential functions. On one hand, to make the work of the Network of National Coordination Centers easier; and on the other, provide financial support related to cybersecurity, through the Horizon Europe and Digital Europe programs.

Objectives of the institution

According to the website of the European Council of the EU, the European Center for Industrial, Technological and Research Competence in Cybersecurity has four fundamental objectives:

• Contribute to the implementation of the latest generation technology in cybersecurity.
• Provide support to startups and SMEs in the cybersecurity sector.
• Strengthen research and innovation in cybersecurity.
• Help solve the deficit in cybersecurity skills.