The Portuguese National Defence Institute (IDN) will organise the 2026 edition of the "The Challenges of European Cybersecurity" course under the auspices of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC). The course will be delivered online from 21 to 25 September 2026.
The course aims to enhance participants' understanding of the foundations and policies of cybersecurity within the European context. It will examine the challenges of cyber resilience arising from emerging threats, assess the strategic capabilities and requirements of the European Union and its Member States, and explore the relevant institutional and governance frameworks. Participants will also have the opportunity to apply the knowledge acquired through a decision-making exercise based on a cyber crisis scenario in Europe.
Courses offered under the ESDC framework are designed, according to their nature and scope, for civilian and military personnel from the institutions and agencies of EU Member States, EU institutions and agencies, candidate countries, and selected third countries, with the aim of addressing their professional training needs.
The course follows a modular structure, comprising five online morning sessions covering the following topics:
- Cyberspace: Concepts and Policies;
- Cyber Resilience;
- Capabilities and Requirements;
- Diplomacy, Governance and Artificial Intelligence;
- Decision-Making Exercise.
Participants will have the opportunity to learn from and exchange views with subject-matter experts and institutional representatives on cyber threats, national cyber policies, EU capabilities, strategies and policies to address cyberspace challenges, legal frameworks, and confidence-building measures in cyberspace.
For security reasons and given the sensitivity of some of the topics covered, candidates from the private sector are generally not nominated. However, in recognition of the essential contribution of civil society to National Defence and Portugal's commitment to strengthening its defence industrial sector, applications from private entities may, on an exceptional basis, be approved, provided they meet the required eligibility criteria and offer appropriate security guarantees for participation in the course, following prior assessment.
Tentative agenda here