In the opening remarks, the EU CyberNet Project Director Liina Areng emphasised the importance of community building in international collaboration to tackle evolving cyber threats: “We are delighted to host the first Cyber Diplomacy Winter School, and hope it lays a strong foundation for future editions, strengthening ties between engaged cyberdiplomacy community across regions.”

In a discussion on the EU-LAC Digital Alliance and cooperation between the European Union and the LAC region, Liina Areng highlighted the key role of LAC4 as a practical tool for advancing the alliance’s objectives. She highlighted how LAC4 facilitates practical training activities to strengthen cyber capacities while fostering closer connections between cyber experts from Europe and LAC, bridging regional expertise and collaboration.

In a panel session on national governance models, Liina Areng shared insights from Estonia’s cybersecurity ecosystem, highlighting how public-private partnerships play a crucial role in building a resilient nation and the importance of trust-based collaboration frameworks, particularly in times of severe geopolitical tensions and high-intensity cyber challenges.

The Winter School concluded with a practical scenario-based exercise led by Liina Areng, focusing on cross-border critical interdependencies and effective measures to mitigate large-scale cyber attacks. “While we can’t prevent every cyber or physical disruption, how we prepare and respond defines the outcome. Participants learned that while attacks may be similar, national response measures and practices vary, making this a valuable learning experience in managing these challenges.”

Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Winter School 2025 was designed to strengthen its alumni network by focusing on region-specific priorities in Latin Americas and the Caribbean region. By fostering dialogue, sharing expertise and promoting EU values, the Winter School aims to advance a free, open, secure, and resilient cyberspace globally.

Tallinn Cyber Diplomacy Winter School 2025 was organised by the e-Governance Academy in cooperation with EU CyberNet, LAC4, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Estonia and European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA).

Photos: https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjC5nq7