Public Sector & Cybersecurity: Rising to the Challenge

Public Sector & Cybersecurity: Rising to the Challenge

Brussels, October 21, 2025 – In today’s increasingly interconnected world, cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of public trust and institutional resilience. As the European Union moves forward with the implementation of the NIS2 Directive and the Cyber Resilience Act, the Veneto Region confirms its position among the most proactive Italian territories in developing a territorial model for digital security.

The Veneto Region’s Brussels Office hosted the event “Public Sector & Cybersecurity: Rising to the Challenge”, part of the EUROINNO Aperitif series promoted by Veneto Digital Agenda. The meeting brought together representatives from regional governments, European institutions, and cybersecurity organizations to explore how cooperation between territories and the EU can strengthen Europe’s collective digital resilience.

Regions as Pillars of Digital Europe

Opening the event, Carlo Clini, Director of the Organizational Unit for Relations with the EU of the Veneto Region, and Luca De Pietro, Director of ICT Strategy, Digital Agenda and Communication Systems, highlighted Veneto’s commitment to transforming innovation into shared public value through European collaboration.

Moderated by Anil Kumar Dave, Coordinator of the Veneto Digital Agenda Desk, the discussion underscored the importance of local governments in implementing EU strategies and ensuring that no community is left behind in the transition toward secure digital governance.

Building a Network of Cyber Cooperation

Francisco Andrade E. Silva, Market and Regional Policies Manager at the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO), emphasized the need for a stronger and more coordinated European framework:

“We need to establish a stable network of collaboration between regions and Brussels, a platform to exchange best practices, align standards, and share resources. Only through continuous dialogue can we ensure a consistent level of cybersecurity across Europe.”

Cybersecurity for All Local Authorities

Giuseppe Mendola, Cybersecurity Lead of the Veneto Region, presented the CERT Veneto (Computer Emergency Response Team) as a concrete example of regional innovation serving local institutions:

“Ensuring that small municipalities have access to proper cybersecurity tools and services is a strategic priority. Cybersecurity cannot be a privilege for large administrations – it must become a shared right. Our project provides local entities with joint monitoring, training, and incident-response services, in synergy with European networks.”

Protecting Citizens by Securing Institutions

Rozenn Maréchal, Senior Policy Adviser for Research and Innovation at the Delegation of the Brittany Region, reminded participants that digital security and citizens’ trust are inseparable:

“Protecting public institutions ultimately means protecting citizens. Cybersecurity is a key enabler of democracy, trust, and social stability.”

In closing, Anil Kumar Dave reflected on the broader meaning of digital protection:

“Defending infrastructures and data means defending European citizens. Cybersecurity is now part of public safety. Investing in prevention and reliable technologies means safeguarding rights and strengthening trust in digital services.”

Veneto as a Laboratory for European Digital Cooperation

The discussions in Brussels reinforced a clear message: Europe’s cybersecurity depends on its regions. Acting as a bridge between EU strategies and local realities, Veneto is shaping itself as a laboratory of territorial cooperation, combining technological innovation, shared governance, and a strong commitment to citizen protection.

Through initiatives such as the EUROINNOAperitif series, the Veneto Region continues to foster dialogue and partnership, empowering a safer, more resilient, and digitally confident Europe.