Bosnia and Herzegovina strengthens Cyber Defence Capabilities through NATO-Funded training by Estonian experts
Bosnia and Herzegovina has taken an important step toward bolstering its national cyber resilience. In mid-October, the Ministry of Defence hosted the first training under the NATO Defence Capacity Building (DCB) Trust Fund project “Enhancing Cyber Defence in Bosnia and Herzegovina”, implemented by the e-Governance Academy (eGA).
Held in Sarajevo, the two-day training focused on Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) analysis and using Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT), enabling technical specialists from the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces to deepen their expertise in identifying, analysing, and mitigating cyber threats. This training marks yet another step in NATO’s sustained support to Bosnia and Herzegovina in strengthening its cyber defence capabilities – highlighting the Alliance’s role in advancing the country’s modern and resilient security posture. “We are pleased to see NATO’s continued engagement in our cyber defence initiatives. This project represents a milestone in enhancing the MOD’s capacity to safeguard our digital infrastructure,” noted the representative of the Ministry of Defence.
From NATO’s perspective, this initiative demonstrates the Alliance’s strong commitment to supporting partner nations in enhancing their cyber resilience and adapting defence institutions to the demands of the digital era. Implemented through NATO Defence Capacity Building (DCB) Trust Fund, it demonstrates the tangible impact of Allies’ and partners’ contributions to supporting Bosnia and Herzegovina in furthering its reforms and interoperability with NATO. The project also builds on solid cooperation with Estonia, whose technical expertise and experience in cybersecurity development continue to play a significant role in advancing Bosnia and Herzegovina’s defence transformation. “We welcome the start of this initiative with the e-Governance Academy, a trusted partner whose expertise will greatly assist the Ministry of Defence in developing more capable and resilient cyber defence structures,” said Christian Haupt, Chief of Political-Military Advisory Branch, NATO Headquarters Sarajevo, at the opening.
Estonia, as experienced and trusted partner in digital governance and cybersecurity, shares with Bosnia and Herzegovina important similarities that make their cooperation especially meaningful. As relatively small nations with limited resources, they understand that resilience depends not on size, but on smart, coordinated action. For Bosnia and Herzegovina, Estonia’s experience offers good examples for strengthening institutional capacity and technical readiness, while creating opportunities for mutual learning and exchange between experts of both countries.
“This collaboration has started with great energy and a shared purpose,” said Mari Tomingas-Sibul, Senior Expert at e-Governance Academy and Project Manager. “It’s a privilege to work alongside Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Ministry of Defence and NATO in such a forward-looking initiative. Together, we are building capabilities that will make a lasting impact on national and regional cyber resilience.”
The Sarajevo training was tailored to the Ministry’s operational environment and received positive feedback from the participants. It laid a solid foundation for future activities planned under the project, which will continue to build Bosnia and Herzegovina’s cyber defence capabilities in the months ahead.
