Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and pervasive, and the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more urgent. From state-sponsored attacks to ransomware targeting critical infrastructure, digital vulnerabilities pose a direct risk to national security, economic stability, and public trust. The European Union (EU), recognizing the growing importance of cybersecurity, has taken a major step toward strengthening its digital defenses.
The Museum of the Polish Army in Warsaw became the stage for a landmark gathering of European ministers responsible for cybersecurity. For the first time in the Transport, Telecommunications, and Energy (TTE) Council format, EU leaders dedicated an entire session to cybersecurity, recognizing it as a crucial pillar for the continent’s stability. The event culminated in the unanimous adoption of the Warsaw Call, a declaration addressing pressing cybersecurity challenges and setting the stage for future EU-wide initiatives.
As cyber threats evolve alongside geopolitical tensions, Europe’s digital resilience has become more critical than ever. Poland has faced escalating cyber threats in 2024 and 2025. In September, 2024, Polish authorities neutralized a sabotage group infiltrating government institutions and state-owned military contractors. Meanwhile, in March, 2025, the Polish Space Agency (POLSA) suffered a cyberattack, prompting a security response.
The meeting underscored the necessity of investing in advanced security infrastructure, strengthening cooperation between civil and military sectors, and enhancing response mechanisms to neutralize large-scale cyber incidents.
Key Outcomes: The Warsaw Call
One of the defining moments of the meeting was the unanimous endorsement of the Warsaw Call, a comprehensive document outlining strategic steps to reinforce cybersecurity efforts. The declaration sets out six key priorities:
- Strengthening Crisis Management: By swiftly adopting the Cybersecurity Blueprint, conducting test exercises, and securing submarine cable infrastructure, EU nations aim to be better prepared for large-scale threats.
- Enhancing Civil-Military Cooperation: Stronger collaboration between EU member states and NATO is essential, as cyber threats increasingly blur the lines between civilian and military operations.
- Developing Strategic Cybersecurity Technologies: A unified roadmap will guide investments in emerging technologies, boosting the EU’s ability to anticipate and counteract cyber risks.
- Reinforcing NIS2 Directive Implementation: Harmonized regulatory measures will reduce complexity while strengthening overall cybersecurity risk assessments.
- Addressing the Cybersecurity Workforce Gap: The EU must invest in education and training programs to counter the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals.
- Strengthening Cyber Diplomacy: The EU Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox will be fully utilized to project European cybersecurity standards on the global stage.
“During today’s discussions in Warsaw, we developed concrete action plans to enhance responses to large-scale incidents, improve civil-military cooperation, and secure the necessary investments in cybersecurity, [and] above all, in specialized personnel,” stated Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for Digital Affairs, Krzysztof Gawkowski.
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Investing in Cybersecurity
With the NIS2 Directive requiring public institutions to increase cybersecurity spending, ministers agreed on the need for a unified EU funding strategy. This strategy will focus on critical areas such as securing national infrastructure and developing robust cybersecurity incident response centers.
Data from the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) indicates that approximately 62% of public institutions across the EU will need to raise their cybersecurity budgets. According to Gawkowski, the Warsaw Call serves as a rallying point for member states to align their financial and strategic efforts in response to these challenges.
Cybersecurity is the foundation of Europe’s stability and sovereignty in the 21st century. In an era of growing geopolitical tensions, we must act together, within the European Union, and in cooperation with our international partners.
The Path Forward
The Warsaw Call will serve as a foundation for the Polish Presidency of the Council of the EU in shaping future cybersecurity policies. By fostering collaboration, enhancing cyber resilience, and prioritizing strategic investments, the EU aims to create a more secure digital environment for its citizens and industries.
The Warsaw Call is not just a declaration; it is a commitment to collective action in the face of mounting cybersecurity threats. As Europe navigates an increasingly complex digital landscape, the agreements reached in Warsaw will play a pivotal role in shaping the continent’s cybersecurity future.
