Liaquat Ali
Islamabad: The European Union this week reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening global cybersecurity by advocating practical international cooperation during the first substantive plenary session of the United Nations Global Mechanism on Responsible State Behaviour in Cyberspace, held in New York from July 20 to 24.
The landmark meeting brought together representatives from UN member states to advance implementation of the international framework governing responsible state behaviour in cyberspace amid growing cyber threats targeting critical infrastructure, healthcare systems, businesses and public services worldwide.
During the session, the European Union urged countries to move beyond commitments and accelerate practical implementation of the UN framework to build a more secure, open, free and stable digital environment.
The EU highlighted four key priorities for strengthening international cybersecurity cooperation. These include advancing practical measures to protect critical infrastructure, combat ransomware attacks and address the cybersecurity implications of artificial intelligence; supporting implementation of the UN framework through the application of international law and the 11 voluntary norms of responsible state behaviour; encouraging broader participation by governments, technical experts and multi-stakeholder communities; and enhancing cyber resilience worldwide through international partnerships and capacity-building initiatives.
To demonstrate its commitment, the European Union presented a non-paper outlining practical examples of how it is implementing the UN norms of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. The bloc also co-hosted a side event with regional partners and civil society organisations focusing on the practical implementation of these norms. The event was attended by Ambassador Egriselda López of El Salvador, who chairs the UN Global Mechanism.
Highlighting its global engagement, the EU said it remains one of the world’s largest providers of cyber capacity-building assistance, with €140 million committed to projects supporting partner countries across the globe. Through these initiatives, the bloc is helping countries strengthen cyber resilience while promoting a rules-based international order in cyberspace.
The UN Global Mechanism, established in 2025, is the first permanent forum enabling all UN member states to cooperate on promoting responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. It provides a platform for countries to exchange experiences, address emerging cyber threats and develop practical measures to reduce cyber risks while enhancing global resilience.
Building on more than two decades of UN negotiations, the mechanism focuses on addressing cyber threats, applying international law in cyberspace, implementing agreed norms of responsible state behaviour, strengthening confidence-building measures and expanding global cyber capacity-building efforts.
With the conclusion of its inaugural substantive plenary, the mechanism will now move towards implementation through thematic working groups scheduled to begin later this year. The European Union reaffirmed its commitment to supporting these efforts and working with international partners to advance collective cybersecurity, strengthen global resilience and promote a secure, stable and rules-based digital future.
