Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace – International Norms and the Role of the EU in Cyberdiplomacy

12.11.2024

The Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), in partnership with the Geneva Centre for Security Sector Governance (DCAF), will be hosting a three-day workshop titled "Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace: International Norms and the Role of the EU in Cyberdiplomacy" from 12 to 14 November. This event brings together experts from across the region and the EU to explore critical aspects of cyberdiplomacy, focusing on international norms, the role of international law in cyberspace, and the European Union's efforts in fostering cyber cooperation.

Workshop Highlights:

Day 1: An in-depth exploration of the UN Framework on Responsible State Behavior in Cyberspace, including key components such as UN norms, international law, capacity building, and confidence-building measures.
Day 2: A detailed examination of the EU’s cyber ecosystem and its collaborative efforts with the Western Balkans to enhance regional cybersecurity cooperation.
Day 3: A hands-on tabletop exercise simulating international cooperation and national coordination in response to a cyber incident.

Why Cyberdiplomacy Matters

As cyber threats continue to evolve, the importance of diplomatic engagement to establish rules of behavior in cyberspace has never been more crucial. Cyberdiplomacy plays a key role in preventing cyber conflicts, promoting trust between nations and ensuring a stable and secure digital environment. The European Union, with its robust cyber ecosystem and diplomatic efforts, is at the forefront of shaping these international norms.

WB3C is actively contributing to these efforts by providing a platform for regional and international cooperation, training and capacity-building. By hosting workshops such as this, WB3C strengthens the ability of Western Balkans countries to engage in global cyberdiplomacy and contribute to the development of a secure and resilient cyberspace.

Other news and events

DIAGONAL — a comprehensive pre-diagnostic tool

Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C) has just completed a two-day training on the application of DIAGONAL — a comprehensive pre-diagnostic tool developed by the French Gendarmerie to assess cyber maturity and institutional resilience.
DIAGONAL offers a holistic assessment of an organization's architecture designed to protect against digital threats, encompassing areas such as strategy, governance, data protection and incident response.
Delivered by David T. Head of IT Europe at ArcelorMittal and a reserve of the French Gendarmerie, this training brings together cybersecurity professionals from across the Western Balkans. It's a significant step in enhancing regional cooperation and institutional preparedness.
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International Conference of Security Managers

Gilles Schwoerer, Head of the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), and Maja Miranovic, Project Manager, took part in the 2nd International Conference of Security Managers, organised by the Association of Security Managers of Montenegro in Budva, Montenegro.
This important gathering brought together over 250 security professionals from across the region to address today’s most pressing challenges—from the protection of critical infrastructure and digital resilience to the role of advanced technologies in corporate and public security. On this occasion, Mr. Schwoerer presented WB3C’s mission and activities, highlighting the Centre’s role in advancing cyber capacity across the Western Balkans.

WB3C at Forum INCYBER Europe (FIC)

WB3C was pleased to take part in the Forum INCYBER Europe (FIC) 2025 in Lille, France, from 1–3 April—Europe’s leading event on cybersecurity and digital trust.
Head of WB3C, Gilles Schwoerer, along with colleagues from Direction de la Coopération de Sécurité et de Défense DCSD 🇫🇷 Guillaume Narjollet and The University of Technology of Troyes Reza E. presented the Centre’s mission and activities during a high-level panel on scaling cyber capacity through regional centres and strategic partnerships. Alongside our colleagues from the Western Balkans delegation, we explored global trends, exchanged ideas with leading cybersecurity companies and agencies, and forged new connections to support cyber resilience in the region.
A particular highlight was the discussion on future collaboration between Campus Cyber (France), the Naučno-tehnološki park Crne Gore / Science Technology Park of Montenegro and WB3C—an exciting prospect for building a stronger regional ecosystem.
Grateful to all partners and organizers for the opportunity to be part of these important exchanges.