
Since 2018, EU institutions, bodies and agencies gather to officially launch the European Cybersecurity Month, taking turns organising and hosting the event. The European Commission, through the CyberAware programme is organising the Interinstitutional Kick-off Event for the European Cybersecurity Month (ECSM) on 1 October 2025.
This year's campaign marks the 13th anniversary of the ECSM. The Kick-off Event puts the human factor in cybersecurity in the spotlight. Focus is on the challenges related to skilled resources in cybersecurity and how to support and secure a safe online experience for all. Situational awareness and cybersecurity readiness is a joint challenge for all Union entities. We explore how gaming can help us bring about behavioural change, to achieve a cybersecurity culture across the board.
Join us on 1 October 2025 for insightful high-level discussions, enriching technical debates, and interactive exhibition stands. Let’s shift the mindset, grow the talent, and game our way to a more cybersecure Europe.
Follow the event online (no registration needed for online participation)
STAFF OF THE EU INSTITUTIONS, BODIES and AGENCIES can participate onsite upon registration (site only available to staff from Union entities) and presentation of employee badge in the MADOU building, Espl. Madou 1, 1210 Brussels.
Last year’s ECSM Kick-off event website: Welcome to the European Cybersecurity Month 2024!
- cybersecurity | cybercrime | information technology
- Wednesday 1 October 2025, 09:30 - 17:30 (CEST)
- Live streaming available
Programme
- 09:30 - 09:40 (CEST)Welcome & Opening remarks
by Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security
and Democracy - 09:40 - 10:40 (CEST)High level panel 1 on the implementation of the cybersecurity regulation, with senior officials from EU institutions
This panel will focus on the strategic importance of establishing a common level of cybersecurity maturity across all Union entities. It will look into the achievements to date and challenges and opportunities for the years ahead.
- 10:45 - 11:35 (CEST)High level panel 2 on the challenges and opportunities vis-à-vis cybersecurity resources in the framework of the implementation of the regulation, with senior representatives from Union entities
This panel will address cybersecurity resources gaps identified, and efforts needed to achieve the successful implementation of the regulation. The discussion will explore collaborative approaches and new ways of working among Union entities to share capabilities and knowledge and to foster innovative solutions in overcoming challenges.
- 11:35 - 12:15 (CEST)Panel 3 on building an EU-shared situational awareness
In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital threats, the European Union strengthens its approach to cyber crisis management. As part of the recent EU Blueprint on Cyber Crisis Management, this session delves into the critical need for bolstering shared awareness information across the European Union Institutions, Bodies and Agencies (EUIBAs), Member States, and diverse sectors.
- 12:15 - 13:30 (CEST)Cybersecurity information stands
During the lunch break attendees will have the opportunity to engage with interactive exhibits and demonstrations showcasing the latest cybersecurity awareness raising tools and methodologies from Union entities and specialised organisations.
- 13:30 - 14:20 (CEST)Panel 4 on building cybersecurity capacity and addressing the skills gap
This session will delve into educational strategies and workforce development initiatives aimed at cultivating a skilled, gender balanced cybersecurity workforce to meet increasing demands.
- 14:20 - 15:10 (CEST)Panel 5 on achieving behavioural change
Experts will expand on the psychology behind cybersecurity behaviour and discuss mechanisms to promote a cybersecurity-first mindset among individuals and organisations.
- 15:30 - 16:20 (CEST)Panel 6 on using gaming to raise awareness and strengthen the human factor
This panel will highlight how gamification techniques can be effectively employed to enhance user engagement and reinforce cybersecurity awareness and best practices across diverse audiences.
- 16:20 - 17:15 (CEST)Panel 7 on interinstitutional network of Women in IT
This panel will officially launch the interinstitutional ‘Women in IT Network’. Despite the rapid growth of IT, women remain underrepresented in this sector at EU Institutions level. DIGIT is leading this initiative that empowers women in IT roles by fostering connections, sharing knowledge, and supporting career growth and mobility.
- 17:15 - 17:25 (CEST)Closing remarks
Speakers
Practical information
- When
- Wednesday 1 October 2025, 09:30 - 17:30 (CEST)
- Who should attend
- Everyone interested in cybersecurity can follow the event online. On site participation limited to staff of EU institutions, bodies and agencies upon registration.
- Languages
- English
- Organisers
- DG DIGIT - European Commission
Contacts
General contact
European Commission CyberAware Team
- Name
- European Commission CyberAware Team
- EC-CYBERSECURITY
ec [dot] europa [dot] eu - Postal address
Belgium
Related events
- Brussels, Belgium
- Live streaming available