3rd - 5th of December 2024 | Constanta, Romania

Navigating Cyber Storms:

Civilian and Defence Synergy in a Digitalised World

Organised by The Maritime Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence of The Constanta Maritime University

About The Event

The “Civilian and Defence Synergy in a Digitalised World” Conference explores the synergies and potential areas of cooperation between civilian and defence sectors, with a focus on the EU’s cybersecurity shared vulnerabilities and collective strengths. As the digital world evolves, the lines between civilian and defence digital infrastructures become increasingly blurred. In the face of ever-evolving cyber threats, it is vital for these sectors to collaborate, exchange insights, jointly devise strategies and integrate their technologies to bolster resilience against the pressing cyber challenges of today and the future.

Both civilian and military infrastructures are prime targets for cyber-attacks, which carry significant risks to national security, economic stability, and public safety. The conference aims to foster collaboration that drives the development of robust and comprehensive cybersecurity policies, emphasising the importance of integrated technology development approaches for a resilient Europe in today’s competitive digital landscape. By promoting intelligence-sharing, resource pooling, and best practice exchanges, the conference will encourage strategic partnerships to protect critical digital infrastructure across Europe effectively.

In the European context, aligning policies and regulatory frameworks across civilian and defence sectors can strengthen cybersecurity measures at all levels. This conference will provide a platform for policymakers, industry leaders, and academics to discuss and harmonise these frameworks, ensuring that they are adaptable and resilient in the face of evolving threats. By showcasing the latest technological advancements and tools in both civilian and military cybersecurity, the event aims to inspire innovation and promote the adoption of cutting-edge solutions across all sectors.

The conference theme directly supports the goals of the ECYBRIDGE project, which seeks to bridge the gap between civil and defence sectors in cybersecurity. By bringing together experts and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, the conference will foster knowledge exchange and build a united front against cyber threats. This inclusive approach ensures that the strategies developed reflect a comprehensive perspective, equipping Europe with the resilience needed to safeguard its digital landscape effectively.

Where

Nautical Base, Constanta Maritime University, Romania

Event Schedule

Day 1 | 3 December

09:00 - 09:10
Opening Remarks
Prof. Gabriel Raicu
Rector, Constanta Maritime University, Romania
09:10 - 10:30
Opening Panel
The Strategic Imperative of Civilian and Defence Cybersecurity Synergy in a Digitalised Europe

In an era where digital interdependence defines both civilian and defence sectors, achieving cybersecurity synergy across these domains has become a strategic imperative for the EU.

This opening panel will explore the foundational principles and strategic drivers that make collaborative cybersecurity essential in today’s complex threat landscape. As digital threats increasingly target both public and private sectors, a coordinated approach that leverages the strengths and capacities of each becomes critical to safeguarding Europe’s digital assets and resilience.

Key discussion points will include the challenges in aligning civilian and military cybersecurity frameworks, the role of joint intelligence and threat-sharing mechanisms, and the importance of cross-sector collaboration to mitigate risks that transcend traditional boundaries. A focal point of the discussion will also be the critical role of emerging cybersecurity technologies in strengthening the EU’s collective defence posture. The conversation will consider the potential and limitations of these technologies within the EU’s cybersecurity ecosystem, addressing how the union can balance innovation with cybersecurity standards to create a unified technological foundation that supports both sectors effectively. This session sets the stage for the conference, outlining a vision for civilian and defence collaboration as the cornerstone of a secure, digitalised Europe, essential for addressing today’s cyber challenges and those of the future.

Chair:
Dr. Niculae Iancu
Vice-President, Maritime Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, Romania
10:30 - 10:45
Coffee Break
10:45 - 11:15
Keynote Speech 1
TBD
11:30 - 13:00
Panel 2
Shaping EU Cybersecurity Policy through Civilian and Defence Collaboration for a Resilient Digital Future

In the face of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, the EU is compelled to forge a cybersecurity policy that effectively unites civilian and defence capabilities.

This panel will examine the policy challenges and strategic imperatives involved in shaping a cohesive, resilient cybersecurity strategy that integrates Member State efforts across both sectors. A central focus will be on how concepts such as the Comprehensive Approach, Whole-of-Society Approach, and Resilience can be operationalised within the cyber domain to create a robust defence framework for the EU.

Panellists will discuss the obstacles posed by fragmented national cybersecurity policies, resource disparities, and ambiguities in cyber rules of engagement. The conversation will emphasise practical steps for aligning policy frameworks to strengthen cross-border collaboration, including strategies for harmonising cybersecurity standards, bridging gaps in national capacities, and fostering integrated threat intelligence-sharing across the EU.

This session will also consider emerging technologies as vital tools in enhancing collective resilience and will address the need to balance data protection with essential information-sharing protocols. With guiding questions such as “How can the EU operationalise a Whole-of-Society Approach to enhance resilience against cyber threats?” and “What frameworks are needed to apply the Comprehensive Approach to EU-wide cyber operations?” this discussion aims to advance actionable, collaborative policy solutions that will fortify Europe’s digital security. Ultimately, this panel seeks to define a path for operationalising resilience and collaboration in the cyber domain, ensuring a secure digital future for the EU.

Chair:
Amb. Shota Gvineria
Faculty, Baltic Defence College
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 - 14:30
Technology Presentation Session 1

TBD

14:30 - 15:00
Technology Presentation Session 2
Safetech Interactive Testing and Training Cyber Security Platform
Mr. Marius Parvu & Mr. Valentin Jurubita
15:00 - 15:30
Keynote Speech 2
Cybersecurity in hybrid conflict: AI-driven preemptive and predictive cybersecurity
Amb. Timo S. Koster
Former Ambassador-at-Large with a Focus on Security Policy and Cyber, The Netherlands, Nonresident Senior Fellow, the Atlantic Council’s Scowcroft Center for Strategy and Security
15:30 - 15:45
Coffee Break
15:45 - 17:15
Panel 3
Empowering Civil-Defence Cybersecurity through Research and Education in the EU
Chair:
Prof. Cdr. Yordan Sivkov, PhD
Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, Bulgaria
17:15 - 17:45
Keynote Speech 3
Towards EU Civilian – Defence Synergy in a Digitalised Europe
Dr. Niculae Iancu
Maritime Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, Romania

Day 2 | 4 December

09:00 - 10:30
Panel 4
Defence Perspectives on Strengthening Cybersecurity Synergy in the EU

This panel will explore the defence sector’s role in fortifying EU-wide cybersecurity collaboration, focusing on strategic insights that enhance synergy with civilian efforts.

Panellists will discuss defence-driven approaches such as threat intelligence sharing, joint cyber readiness exercises, and capacity-building initiatives that bolster resilience across Member States.

Emphasising the importance of European investments and cross-sector partnerships, the session will highlight how defence perspectives contribute to a unified cybersecurity framework. By integrating military and civilian cybersecurity capabilities, the EU can set a benchmark for resilience and operational coherence, reinforcing its position as a strategically autonomous global player.

Chair:
Prof. Ion Roceanu
Chair of Doctoral School, National Defence University, Romania
10:30 - 10:45
Coffee Break
10:45 - 11:15
Keynote Speech 4
TBD
11:15 - 11:25
Coffee Break
11:25 - 13:00
Panel 5
Securing Critical Infrastructure through EU Cybersecurity Synergy

TBC

TBC

Chair:
Mr Alexandru Georgescu
Senior Researcher, National Institute for Research & Development in Informatics
13:00 - 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 - 14:30
Technology Presentation Session 3

TBD

14:30 - 15:00
Technology Presentation Session 4
INFILI's AI-Based IDS for Anomaly Detection and Zero-Day Attacks
Mr. Alexandros Psychas, Ph.D., INFILI
15:00 - 15:45
Workshop 1
Title TBD
Dr. Valeria Popescu
Romanian National Cyber Security Directorate
15:45 - 16:30
Workshop 2
Building a Synergetic Civilian-Defence Cybersecurity Network Across Europe
Dr. Marilena Jeana Cîmpineanu
Head Research and Education, The Euro-Atlantic Resilience Centre
16:30 - 16:45
Coffee Break
16:45 - 17:30
Keynote Speech 5
Title TBD
Dr. John McCarthy
CEO, Oxford Systems

Day 3 | 5 December

09:30 - 10:00
Keynote Speech 6
Accelerating European Cybersecurity Innovation in a Highly Competitive Digital Environment
Dr. Daniel Dumitrescu
CIO, InnovX
10:00 - 10:30
Panel 6
Unifying European Technology Innovation Driven Companies, Talent and Investment for a Dynamic Cybersecurity Innovation Ecosystem
10:30 - 11:00
Panel 7
Investment Challenges and New Financial Instruments for Accelerating Dual-Use Technologies in E.U. Cybersecurity
11:00 - 12:00
Showcase of Cyber Tech Innovations
Pioneering Solutions for the Future of Cybersecurity
Moderator:
Ms Anca Luca
CGO, InnovX
12:00 - 13:00
Lunch Break
13:00 - 16:00
Interactive Cybersecurity Workshop

This hands-on cybersecurity simulation will challenge participants to assess resilience against large-scale cyber-attacks on critical infrastructures. Designed for both in-person and online participants from scaleups, mid-caps, and large corporations, this workshop focuses on fostering collaboration across national and international stakeholders to enhance coordinated response strategies. Participants will work in teams to conduct an initial crisis assessment, outline an actionable response plan with a defined timeline, and deliver a findings report that includes their crisis analysis and proposed solutions. This immersive experience will provide invaluable insights into real-world response dynamics, teamwork, and strategic planning in the face of cyber threats.

16:00 - 16:15
Conclusion of the Interactive Session
Moderator:
Dr. Daniel Dumitrescu, CIO, InnovX
16:15 - 17:00
Closing Panel
Key Takeaways and Future Directions for the E.U. Civil-Defecne Cybersecurity Synergy
Panellists:
Prof. Gabriel Raicu, Rector, CMU
Dr. John McCarthy, CEO, Oxford Systems
Dr. Nicu Iancu, VP, MARCYSCOE