An annual conference on cyber foreign policy, cybersecurity, resilience
Date: July 9–10, 2026
Location:
Federal Foreign Office (July 9)
ESMT Berlin (July 10)
Format: In-person conference
Moscow’s shadow beyond Ukraine: Russia’s cyber threat to European security
Russia aims to undermine European security, prosperity and freedom. To that end, Russian state and non-state cyber actors weaponize digital technologies across a wide range of issues and targets. In the context of its war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia has massively ramped up its cyberattacks against Europe. Russian actors use cyberattacks on political institutions, critical infrastructure, supply chains, and public services to destabilize our democracies and economies as well as to erode public trust.
Russia’s malicious cyber activities have also blurred the lines between war and peace in the cyber domain, casting a shadow far beyond Ukraine. In December 2025, Germany has attributed a cyberattack on its air traffic control as well as the Russian disinformation campaign Storm 1516 to Russia’s Military Intelligence Service GRU. These activities also highlight broader hybrid threats posed by Russia against Ukraine’s partners in Europe.
Amid growing geopolitical uncertainty, Germany, as one of the primary targets of Russian cyberattacks, needs to adjust its cyber security capabilities and policies accordingly. Europe’s ability to also act in cyberspace is becoming a prerequisite for protecting our security, freedom, and prosperity against Russian threats. Given the fast innovation cycle of digital technologies and its direct implications on security policy, links between security, economic and innovation policy need to be strengthened, also with regard to European sovereign cyber solutions.
This conference focuses on how we can effectively respond to growing cyberthreats, drawing on lessons from Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine and other case studies. It aims to identify necessary policy measures for Germany and Europeans, also in the transatlantic context, to strengthen cybersecurity frameworks, innovation, and sustainable cybersecurity capabilities.
In collaboration with
About the conference
The Shaping Cybersecurity Conference brings together stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and civil society to address current and emerging challenges in cybersecurity.
The conference provides a platform for exchange on policy, innovation, and international cooperation, with a focus on strengthening digital resilience and shaping a secure global environment.
Focus areas
The conference addresses key topics at the intersection of technology, policy, and security:
- European and international cybersecurity cooperation
- Strategic responses to cyber threats
- Cyber in geopolitical conflict
- Protection of critical infrastructure and building digital resilience
Conference format
- The event will be held in English under the Chatham House Rule with participation of stakeholders from government, academia, industry, and civil society. A detailed program will be sent out closer to the conference date.
Participation
- The conference is open to participants from government, academia, industry, and civil society.
- Registration is required. Participation is limited to ensure a focused and high-quality exchange.
Partners and organizers
This conference is co-hosted by the International Cybersecurity Team at IFSH Institute in collaboration with: