Celebrating 10 years of the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and its contributions to cybersecurity

As the digital transformation accelerates, the EU recognises the increasing vulnerabilities that come with interconnected infrastructure. The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) programme has prioritised cybersecurity as a fundamental area of investment, funding a variety of projects which address cybersecurity challenges at multiple levels, from critical cybersecurity digital service infrastructure to developing cybersecurity capabilities within public and private sectors (CERTs, OES, ISACs etc.).  

Some examples include:

• CYNERGY, the first national-level information sharing and analysis centre (ISAC) in the Romanian energy sector (electricity subsector), serving the most prominent industry players from the country but having in mind also a potential expansion into South-East Europe.  
• Building “General Hospital Varaždin” cybersecurity capacities to meet national and EU legislation. The main aimof the action was to support General Hospital Varaždin internal capabilities to meet security and reporting requirements under Croatian and EU legislation as an Operator of Essential Services (OES) in the healthcare sector.  

The CEF-funded cybersecurity projects have helped ensure that Europe remains prepared to meet the complex and evolving threats of the digital age, setting the foundation for a safer, more secure, and connected Europe. Looking ahead, the Connecting Europe Facility is poised to continue its focus on cybersecurity as the EU transitions to more advanced digital services, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT), and 5G. These technologies bring new opportunities but also new cybersecurity challenges that require innovative solutions. 

Background: 

Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), a flagship EU programme, marks its 10th anniversary in 2024, by celebrating a decade of significant investments in Europe’s digital, transport, and energy infrastructures. Established in 2014, CEF has played a critical role in enhancing connectivity, improving services, and boosting the economy across the EU by funding cross-border projects that bridge the gaps between member states. Among these accomplishments, cybersecurity projects have emerged as a crucial aspect of the CEF’s digital agenda, reflecting the EU's growing focus on building a safer, more secure digital ecosystem.