European Cybersecurity Competence Center opens in Bucharest

Romanian Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă and representatives of the European Commission inaugurated the new headquarters of the European Cyber Security Competence Centre (ECCC) in Bucharest, Romania, on May 9, 2023.

The main purpose of this center is to strengthen innovation in cybersecurity in the European Union. In particular, it will manage EU-funded cyber projects under the Digital Europe program and Horizon Europe.

It will also coordinate the initiatives of European SoC’s, designed to facilitate the implementation of the « European cyberspace shield » sought by the Commission. Last but not least, the ECCC will be part of the network of national cyber coordination centers.

« Cybersecurity is a key priority for the EU. Protecting our digital sovereignty requires joint efforts. The European Cyber Security Competence Centre brings together high-level experts and resources from across the EU to develop innovative solutions to cyber threats and strengthen our resilience in the face of attacks, » commented Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for the Internal Market.

« The launching of the ECCB’s activity in Bucharest is a clear signal of the European Union’s institutional presence in Romania, confirming once again our country’s maturity and its direct and relevant contribution to the strengthening of European construction, 16 years after accession« , declared Nicolae Ciucă.

« Making this center operational now is all the more timely as hybrid attacks and cybersecurity challenges for Europe have progressively increased (…). The presence of a center in this part of Europe, essential to strengthening the EU’s cyber-resilience, confirms the attention paid to our joint efforts to protect the economy, our citizens, and public institutions« , added the Romanian Prime Minister.