The European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) officially opens in Bucharest

The European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC) inaugurates its new headquarters in Bucharest. The ECCC aims at supporting innovation and industrial policy in cybersecurity as well as developing and coordinating EU cybersecurity projects.

Prime Minister Nicolae Ciucă stated:“Launching the ECCC’s activity in Bucharest is a clear signal that the European Union is present institutionally in Romania, reconfirming, at 16 years since accession, our country’s maturity and direct and relevant contribution to strengthening European construction. Making this centre operational now is furthermore opportune as the attacks of a hybrid nature, the cybersecurity challenges to Europe have progressively accelerated, increasing significantly not only in terms of number but also in complexity and severity. Precisely for this reason, the presence in this part of Europe of an essential component for strengthening the EU’s cyber resilience reconfirms the attention extended to our joint efforts to protect the economy, citizens, and public institutions”

Thierry Breton, Commissioner for the Internal Market, said:“Cybersecurity is a critical priority, and safeguarding our digital sovereignty requires joint efforts. The European Cybersecurity Competence Centre brings together top-tier experts and resources from across the EU to develop innovative solutions to cyber threats and enhance our resilience against attacks. By working together, we can build a safer and more secure digital world for all Europeans.”

Miguel González-Sancho, interim Executive Director of the ECCC, added:“Cybersecurity is a vital element of our digital life. Cyber communities should work together to boost cyber capacities and resilience in the European Union. We are proud to inaugurate today the new offices of the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre in Bucharest. The Centre looks forward to working with many cyber actors from across Europe, to build a safer digital environment and leadership in cyber technology.”

The Centre is responsible for managing EU cybersecurity funds under the current multi-annual EU budget (2021-2027), notably adopting cybersecurity work programmes and managing cyber projects under the Digital Europe Programme and Horizon Europe.

Amongst other, it will manage projects on cyber threat detection and sharing through a network of Security Operations Centres, as part of the Commission’s proposal to establish a European Cyber Shield. It will oversee a network of National Coordination Centres for cybersecurity, aiming to build an ecosystem for cybersecurity innovation and competitiveness across the EU.  

The ECCC’s new office is located at the Campus Building of the Polytechnical University of Bucharest, at the entrance of the “Militari” neighbourhood.