eGA co-hosted the Regional Cybersecurity Symposium in Moldova
The Regional Cybersecurity Symposium, held on 14 November gathered regional experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and security professionals from 14 like-minded countries. The event, co-hosted by the e-Governance Academy and the EU-supported project „Moldova Cybersecurity Rapid Assistance”, focused on strengthening national cybersecurity and collective cyber defence capabilities in Moldova and in the region.
In the opening words, Hannes Astok noted that the Symposium is timely. “We congratulate Moldova on having received the recommendation to start the accession negotiations to the EU. Today’s symposium is timely because the EU’s internal market is digital and needs to be protected. We are happy that Moldova’s approach to cybersecurity also touches on the global arena since both threats and best practices are present in this theatre,” Hannes Astok, Executive Director of the e-Governance Academy said.
Photos by Oleg Mindru
Vladimir Cuc, Secretary of State of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and European Integration of the Republic of Moldova highlighted the emerging need to focus on cybersecurity enhancement. „Two major issues influence what we are doing in Moldova. One is the current geopolitical issues around the world, where cyber is a key area where conflicts take place. Secondly, we are more digitalised and connected,“ said Vladimir Cuc.
„Cybersecurity is one of the priority areas of the EU-Moldova cooperation. Today, all crises and conflicts have cyber components, which directly reflect the dynamics of the physical domain. The EU’s support is manifested in cybersecurity and cybercrime via the Cyber EAST project, continuous skill and awareness trainings, via the Cybersecurity Rapid Assistance Project, and cyber defense, through the EPF 2022 and 2023 assistance measures. We look forward to seeing more improvement in Moldova’s national cybersecurity,“ said Jānis MAŽEIKS, Ambassador, Head of the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova.
Photos by Oleg Mindru
In Moldova, eGA currently implements three EU cyber assistance projects, in a total amount of 6,7 million euros. The project “Moldova Cybersecurity Rapid Assistance” has been ongoing since May 2022. Within the project, eGA has contributed to the development of the cybersecurity law, supported government agencies with trainings and cyber exercises, and raised cyber awareness among Moldovan people and officials.
„In the area of cybersecurity working together is essential. In the context of the Moldova Cybersecurity Rapid Assistance Project, the key item has been the collaboration between the international donors and the Government. Striving for voluntary and benevolent efforts from all involved parties results in advances and increased resilience,“ said Epp Maaten, the Project Lead at the e-Governance Academy.
Photos by Oleg Mindru
The project „Moldova Cybersecurity Rapid Assistance” aims to increase the cyber resilience of public sector organisations and key critical infrastructure sectors and align their operations with the European Union Directive on the security of network and information systems (EU NIS Directive). The e-Governance Academy carries out the project’s activities from May 2022 to November 2023.