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European Cybersecurity Competence Centre and Network
  • Press release
  • 29 October 2024
  • Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology
  • 2 min read

The European Cybersecurity Competence Centre inaugurates its permanent offices

On 30 October, the ECCC officially inaugurated its permanent premises in the Campus building at Politehnica University in Bucharest, provided by the Romanian Government.  

inauguration

The inauguration ceremony took place with the participation of esteemed guests including Romanian Minister of Research, Innovation and Digitalisation Bogdan-Gruia Ivan, Secretary of State and Spokesperson of the Government Mihai Constantin, former Chief Negotiator of Romania on cyber issues in the Council of the EU Alexandru Nazare and Rector of Politehnica University Mihnea Cosmin Costoiu.

With the relocation to its permanent premises, the ECCC completes the process of achieving its autonomy and becomes fully established. The Centre is the first EU body headquartered in Romania and it aims at enhancing the EU's strategic autonomy in cybersecurity, strengthening critical infrastructures, and boosting the competitiveness of EU industry, SMEs, and start-ups on the global stage. 

It supports innovation and industrial policy in cybersecurity as well as the development and coordination of EU cybersecurity projects under the current multi-annual EU budget (2021-2027). Since its establishment, the ECCC has invested over EUR 600 million in cybersecurity projects across Europe, with an additional EUR 400 million expected to be invested by 2027, under the Digital Europe and Horizon Europe Programmes. 

These investments will continue to support the digital transition of our economy, as the Centre has done under the coordination of the European Commission before reaching its financial autonomy in September 2024.

Bogdan-Gruia Ivan, Romanian Minister of Research, Innovation and Digitalisation, said: “The ECCC has a strong partner in the Ministry of Research, Innovation and Digitalisation. The setting-up of the centre could not have been possible without the strong support of the Politehnica University. Cybersecurity is not a luxury and it is non-negotiable and I am happy Romania is hosting Europe’s newest hub for increasing European cyber resilience”.

Roberto Viola, European Commission Director-General DG CONNECT, added: “With the opening of the new premises, the Centre is now fully equipped to run full speed as a key player in the EU cybersecurity landscape. One key advantage of the Centre is clear: a unique position to support cybersecurity capacities across the entire value chain, from research to deployment of key technologies and operational projects. Let’s work together for a more cyber secure, more cyber resilient and more prepared future.”

Pascal Steichen, Chairperson of the ECCC Governing Board, stated: “It is the start of the real adventure of the ECCC which has the mission to position Europe as a differentiator and leader in technology, especially in cyber, and I truly believe we have the capacity to do it”.

Luca Tagliaretti, ECCC Executive Director, said “This is a new chapter for the ECCC and I am truly honoured by the presence of key partners that have helped reach this final milestone. But the hard work for the ECCC starts only now, as it needs to deliver on its mandate and position itself as an essential EU body in the cyber security institutional ecosystem to protect our digital market and the European citizens”.