FINAL WORD proposed € 150 billion defence investment, including € 3.5 billion dedicated specifically to cybersecurity, as outlined in President von der Leyen’ s 3 March statement, presents an unprecedented opportunity to fortify Europe’ s digital defences.
However, funding alone will not suffice. Success hinges on strategic collaboration and the establishment of a robust, independent European cybersecurity ecosystem.
The strategic value of a European ecosystem
Momentum is already building up. In 2024 European cybersecurity startups raised € 2.8 billion in 2024, a 23 % increase from the previous year. These strengths allow leading security providers to create solutions that meet strict security and compliance standards, qualities that appeal to customers globally and expand its influence beyond European borders.
Rather than serving as a limitation, a strong European cybersecurity base should be viewed as a launchpad for global impact. A co-ordinated European effort will not only bolster digital resilience but also reinforce Europe’ s position as a leader in cybersecurity innovation.
Europe is uniquely positioned to lead in cybersecurity. The continent is home to world-class technical universities, pioneering research centres and regulatory frameworks such as GDPR that have set global benchmarks for data protection. This foundation provides European cybersecurity firms with a distinct advantage, ensuring that their solutions meet the highest security and compliance standards.
Cybersecurity is no longer merely a technical concern, it is a fundamental component of national security and economic resilience.
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