Capacity building for cybersecurity and artificial intelligence

Cybersecurity and e-governance

Timeframe 01.10.2025-30.09.2027 Aktiivne

Target group Avaliku ja erasektori küberjulgeoleku eksperdid

Budget 717 197 EUR

Funders

Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH

Partners

State-sponsored cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure and public institutions are growing in both frequency and sophistication, often amplified by AI-enabled tools. Limited resources and technical capacity hinder an effective defense against these threats in several Eastern Neighbourhood and Western Balkan countries, and fragmented regulatory frameworks obstruct cross-border cooperation and harmonization of standards. Therefore, robust, harmonized regulations and enhanced national regulatory authorities and government agencies in charge of cybersecurity are of particular importance in the Eastern Neighbourhood.

In line with the EU’s values and digital diplomacy goals, Estonia is a pioneer in digital governance and cybersecurity, therefore, through initiatives such as the Tallinn Mechanism for Ukraine and by hosting the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence and EU CyberNet, Estonia plays a critical role in supporting cyber resilience globally.

Project objectives

The project strengthens regional cyber resilience at a time when state-sponsored cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, driven by Russia’s war of aggression and increasingly amplified by artificial intelligence, are becoming more frequent. Practical simulation exercises enhance the preparedness of Ukrainian public sector officials, critical infrastructure operators, and incident response professionals (CSIRT/CERT/SOC teams) to respond effectively to real-world cyber crises.

For young people, the project helps build a sustainable cybersecurity talent pipeline by engaging them before their career choices are firmly established. Particular attention is given to the inclusion of women and underrepresented groups, as well as to fostering an understanding of the intersection between cybersecurity and artificial intelligence.

The cross-border format involving Moldova, Ukraine, Albania, and Armenia strengthens regional cooperation and supports the development of a shared professional identity among cybersecurity practitioners across the region.

Actions and results

The project provides training to public officials and critical infrastructure operators to help them define and implement national strategies to protect digital infrastructure. On the other hand, the aim is to cultivate a new generation of cybersecurity professionals by engaging students – especially those not yet working in the ICT sector – in practical Capture the Flag (CTF) competitions that simulate real-life cyber incidents and challenges.

During the first reporting period, the youth cybersecurity competition “Protocol Europa: Digital Waters Under Siege” (October–November 2025) was successfully conducted in cooperation with TalTech and CYBERCOR at the Technical University of Moldova. The competition attracted 69 young participants from four countries in the preliminary round and 37 participants in the final round. 89.3% of finalists reported improved knowledge of the relationship between cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, exceeding the 2025 interim target of 25 participants.

The first simulation exercise in Ukraine took place in June 2026. By the end of the project in 2027, the objective is to train 100 critical infrastructure and public sector experts and engage 50 young participants who report improved knowledge. A second round of the CTF competition, involving a broader group of countries, is also planned for 2026.