Cyber Resilience of Croatia and the European Union: Collaboration and knowledge sharing as a shield against future digital threats
The first national conference of the National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity Industry, Technology, and Research (NKS) demonstrated how collaboration between the private and public sectors, along with knowledge exchange with European partners, can significantly contribute to strengthening Croatia's cyber resilience. This event laid the foundation for building a more secure digital future, focused on enhancing industrial resilience and protecting digital infrastructure.
The conference held at the National and University Library in Zagreb particularly highlighted the importance of continuous investment in the protection of digital infrastructure as a key element of security and development.
„We are truly pleased with the successful conclusion of this conference, which brought together 300 experts from both domestic and international backgrounds. Over its two-day duration, through a rich program of lectures, panel discussions, and workshops, participants gained valuable insights into the latest trends and challenges in cybersecurity. The exchange of experiences with National Coordination Centers from other countries, as well as the presentation of financing opportunities from EU programs, have provided us with a clearer path towards strengthening the cybersecurity resilience of Croatia, as well as the entire community of European countries,“ stated Vlatka Marčan, Assistant Director of CARNET for NKS, added: „National coordination centers cooperate with national authorities regarding possible contributions to the promotion and dissemination of educational programs, they promote, carry out financial support activities for third parties, and finally provide technical assistance in the project application phase.“
The second day of the first NKS National Conference focused on the practical challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises, startups, and new entrepreneurs in the field of cybersecurity. Representatives from the Croatian Employers' Association (HUP) Cybersecurity Working Group presented key aspects of the new legislative framework for cybersecurity, a lecture Martine Dragičević i Andre GalinovićFrom the Croatian Employers' Association (HUP), the regulatory framework and methods for its implementation in specific sectors and types of infrastructure were presented to the participants. In addition to details about the legislative framework, examples of best practices and implemented measures were shown, which will help those obligated to comply with the new requirements adapt. Dr. sc. Dražen Lučić He spoke at the HGK about the guidelines for economic entities to improve cybersecurity and explained in more detail the key challenges and needs of major service providers in the Republic of Croatia, especially after the adoption of the new Cybersecurity Act. An interesting discussion was also held on strategies for improving cybersecurity from the perspective of Vlatke Jajetić from CARNet., Marka Gulana from the Croatian Association of Security Managers, Zlatan Morić from Algebra te Brune Pavića from Končar, Bernard Gršić, State Secretary in the Ministry of Justice, Administration and Digital Transformation, presented the key challenges for the public sector.
Other experts who have joined include Marija Portner Marinković from the Cyber Security Centre of SOA, , Krešimir Šipek from the Information Systems Security Bureau , Maja Salapić from the Agency for Mobility and EU Programs, Dr. Sci. Tomislav Novosel, from the Regional Energy-Climate Agency of Northwest Croatia and Dr. Sc. Jasmina Obhođaš of the Ruđer Bošković Institute.
The uniqueness of this conference lies in the fact that 30 participants had the opportunity to go through the entire process of developing and applying for project proposals. The aforementioned workshop also included information on the call for project proposals, the EU Funding & Tenders Portal, and the application itself, including application forms, necessary documentation, and the budget.
In addition to all the activities carried out in the digital transformation process in Croatia, cooperation among European Union member states is of great importance to ensure improved resilience to cybersecurity incidents and a secure cyberspace for Croatian citizens. The first national conference of the National Coordination Center for Cybersecurity Industry, Technology, and Research has laid a solid foundation for future efforts in strengthening Croatia's cybersecurity. Through the cooperation of various stakeholders, knowledge exchange, and practical solutions, the conference emphasized the importance of aligning with European initiatives and legislative frameworks.
