Ukraine Joins EU Cybersecurity Reserve after receiving approval from the Council of the European Union, enabling the country to access emergency cybersecurity assistance during large-scale cyber incidents that exceed national response capabilities.
The decision allows Ukraine to activate support from the EU Cybersecurity Reserve, a mechanism managed by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) that provides incident response services through trusted private-sector cybersecurity providers. The move reflects ongoing EU-Ukraine cooperation on digital security and resilience amid evolving cyber threats.
Ukraine Joins EU Cybersecurity Reserve Under EU Cyber Solidarity Framework
The EU Cybersecurity Reserve was established under the Cyber Solidarity Act to help participating countries respond to significant cybersecurity incidents. Through the reserve, nations can request specialized assistance when their own incident response resources are overwhelmed.
According to the European Commission, Ukraine will now be able to officially seek emergency European support if a cyberattack surpasses the capacity of its domestic response teams. This would allow cybersecurity experts from across the European Union to assist in incident containment and recovery efforts.
The Commission described the decision as part of broader efforts to strengthen preparedness, improve rapid response capabilities, and encourage cooperation against growing cyber threats.
EU Highlights Digital Security Cooperation
Commenting on the development, Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy, said Ukraine’s inclusion strengthens collective cyber defenses and reflects the principle of solidarity at the core of Europe’s digital future.
The Commission noted that cyberattacks continue to present a persistent challenge and emphasized the importance of coordinated responses and shared expertise among partner nations.
Ukraine’s inclusion also aligns with the EU’s strategic digital partnership agenda, which focuses on strengthening cybersecurity cooperation with neighboring countries.
Moldova Previously Granted Access
Ukraine becomes the second non-EU country to gain access to the reserve. Moldova was granted access in 2024 following an increase in Moscow-linked Cyber Threats and influence operations targeting the country.
The Council’s authorization for Moldova to use the reserve was described as a major step forward in regional cybersecurity cooperation. The arrangement was implemented under the Cyber Solidarity Act and formed part of broader EU-Moldova efforts to improve digital resilience.
The European Commission stated that enhancing cybersecurity cooperation remains a key component of its partnership with Moldova.
Broader EU-Moldova Digital Cooperation Expands
Alongside cybersecurity initiatives, the European Union has expanded digital cooperation with Moldova in several strategic areas.
The Commission welcomed a political agreement that will allow Moldova to join the EU Roaming Area under the “Roam Like at Home” framework following formal adoption. Once implemented, Moldovan citizens and EU travelers will be able to call, text, and use mobile data without additional roaming charges.
Moldova has also joined the EU Third Countries’ Trusted List, enabling easier validation of electronic signatures and seals between EU and Moldovan organizations, businesses, and citizens.
To strengthen resilience against Disinformation and foreign interference, a new hub of the European Digital Media Observatory (EDMO) known as FACT has also been established with support from the European Commission.
Cyber Cooperation Advances as EU Membership Talks Progress
The cybersecurity announcement comes shortly after EU member states agreed to launch formal accession negotiations with both Ukraine and Moldova.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the decision as a major milestone, stating that all member states had agreed to open the first accession negotiations cluster with the two countries. She said the move recognizes the reforms undertaken by Ukraine and Moldova despite significant challenges and reinforces the EU’s commitment to peace, security, and stability across the region.
With access to the EU Cybersecurity Reserve, Ukraine now gains an additional layer of support to strengthen its cyber resilience and coordinate responses to major cybersecurity incidents alongside European partners.
