The strengthening of cybersecurity skills has become a top priority for the European Union, as rapid digital transformation and rising cyber threats underscore the critical role of human expertise in security and competitiveness.
A New EU Coordination Mechanism
In this context, the European Commission officially established the Cybersecurity Skills Coalition European Digital Infrastructure Consortium (CSC-EDIC) — a new institutional framework designed to serve as the EU’s primary coordination mechanism for cybersecurity education policy, upskilling initiatives, and the development of a unified European training ecosystem.
The consortium was formally launched on 30 June in Brussels, following the adoption of the Commission’s Executive Decision (EU) 2026/1416. The event was attended by Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen — responsible for Technology Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy — senior officials from the Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT), and representatives from participating member states.
Greece’s Active Leadership Role
Greece holds a distinctive position within this initiative. According to the National Cybersecurity Authority, the country did not merely join as a founding member — it played an active role from the earliest design phase, helping shape the consortium’s institutional architecture and strategic direction.
The Greek authority contributed to preparatory work and led coordination efforts throughout the multi-year process that culminated in CSC-EDIC’s formation. This leadership is especially significant amid the EU’s broader push to reduce technological dependence on third countries — particularly in critical sectors like cybersecurity.
From Technical Issue to Strategic Priority
Cybersecurity is now viewed not only as a technical or operational concern but as a cornerstone of Europe’s digital sovereignty, economic resilience, and protection of critical infrastructure.
A key challenge underpinning this strategy is the persistent shortage of qualified professionals. For years, the European Commission has consistently reported that demand for cybersecurity specialists is outpacing supply — creating skill gaps across both public and private sectors.
CSC-EDIC is intended to function as a permanent platform for intergovernmental cooperation: aligning national investments, co-developing training programmes, and leveraging existing European expertise. Over time, the consortium is also expected to assume core functions currently carried out by the European Cybersecurity Skills Academy.