Romania and Cyprus strengthen cybersecurity cooperation through new memorandum
A significant step towards enhanced cybersecurity cooperation has been taken with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the National Cyber Security Coordination Center of Romania (NCC-RO) and the Digital Security Authority of Cyprus (NCC-CY). This agreement aims to foster collaboration in various aspects of cybersecurity, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing common challenges faced by both nations.
The memorandum will facilitate the exchange of information, knowledge, and best practices between the two centers. It outlines directions for cooperation, including mutual promotion of activities, organization of joint events such as seminars and workshops, and activities focused on training and mentorship.
Ana-Maria Bușoniu, the director of NCC-RO, emphasized that cybersecurity cannot be developed in isolation. She noted that national coordination centers have the greatest impact when they collaborate, and through this memorandum, they aim to organize joint matchmaking events to connect various stakeholders.
The recent meetings of the NCC Network Day and the ECCC Governing Board, held from October 13 to 16, 2026, in Cyprus, marked a pivotal moment for NCC-RO. These gatherings included a joint capacity development workshop with NCC-CY, focused on sharing experiences in developing and engaging the national cybersecurity community.
During the workshop, topics such as member registration and integration, utilizing the ATLAS platform, and mechanisms to support small and medium-sized enterprises were discussed. The goal was to identify common initiatives for raising awareness, training, and fostering partnerships in the cybersecurity field.
The memorandum also supports compliance with European cybersecurity requirements, including the Cyber Resilience Act and the NIS2 Directive. Both NCC-RO and NCC-CY expressed their intention to explore joint participation in European projects, enhancing their ability to tackle cybersecurity challenges effectively.
Polis Peratikos, head of NCC-CY, reiterated the importance of cooperation between national centers, stating that while Romania and Cyprus have communities of different sizes, they share common challenges. This collaboration aims to create synergies at national, regional, and local levels, contributing to the broader objectives of the European Cyber Security Competence Centre.
The project, titled 'Strengthening the Capacities of the National Coordination Center NCC-RO,' is being implemented under Grant Agreement No. 101227737 through the Digital Europe Programme. This initiative not only reinforces the community of cybersecurity competencies in Romania but also emphasizes the significance of working together with other NCCs and the European Cyber Security Competence Centre.