Ukraine and the EU deepen partnership to counter hybrid threats: meeting between the NCCK and the European External Action Service

A meeting was held at the Office of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine between Serhiy Demedyuk, Deputy Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine and Deputy Head of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, and a delegation from the European External Action Service (EEAS) led by Maciej Stadejko, Director for Security and Defense Policy.

During the meeting, the parties discussed topical issues of cyber resilience, countering hybrid threats and disinformation, as well as preparations for the fourth round of the Ukraine-EU Cyber Dialogue.

Maciej Stadejek reported on EU measures to strengthen capabilities to counter hybrid threats, in particular the introduction of the Hybrid Toolbox, which includes 62 sanctions against Russian companies and individuals. He stressed the need to develop cooperation with Ukraine in the field of hybrid security, in particular through the exchange of experience and practices between EU analytical structures and the National Coordination Center for Countering Hybrid Threats under the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine.

Serhiy Demedyuk emphasized that most of Ukraine's and the EU's goals and approaches in the field of cyber and hybrid security coincide. He also stressed that Russia's aggression is complex and hybrid in nature, combining cyber, information, and kinetic attacks.

“Ukraine has been on the front lines of hybrid warfare for over a decade, and our experience in countering such threats is of practical value to all European partners. We are interested in developing joint mechanisms for information exchange, training specialists, and developing common standards for cyber resilience,” he said.

The Ukrainian side proposed a number of areas for further cooperation, including: participation of EU representatives in NCC training programs, development of joint training and research in the field of countering hybrid threats to study and disseminate Ukraine's practical experience, creation of an International Center of Excellence on Cyber Resilience in Ukraine, expanding cooperation with the European Center of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats (Hybrid CoE, Helsinki), and strengthening coordination within the Ukraine Communication Group and the Rapid Alert System network.

The meeting took place in a constructive atmosphere and demonstrated the shared commitment of Ukraine and the European Union to strengthening their strategic partnership in the field of cybersecurity and developing resilience to hybrid threats. The EU delegation highly appreciated Ukraine's capabilities and experience gained from many years of countering Russian aggression and noted the value of this practical knowledge for strengthening the collective security of the EU.