Defense minister: 'Europe has talent and budget to be best at cyber'
Cyber-attacks are now part and parcel of society. Whether it is the port of Rotterdam, a hospital or a defense site. Attacks now affect everyone. Europe must therefore emphatically stir in the field of cybersecurity, Minister Ruben Brekelmans believes.
Central government 23 May 2025
He spoke today in The Hague during the final days of the Cyber Investor Days, the largest pan-European cybersecurity event. The central theme was the motto "Cybersecurity Made in Europe. There is a future in this, the minister sees. "But Europe must mature quickly. We need to develop digital resilience and build our own capabilities."
In that regard, Brekelmans spoke to the right audience. The room was packed with specialists from start-ups, scale-ups and companies and other professionals in the cyber field. "It is in spaces like this that our future is being worked on," the minister said. "People like you are building the tools we need to protect our infrastructure and our way of life."
Not closing off from the world
Europe has the capabilities and opportunities to take a leading role. "We have the talent, the budget and the institutions. But that does not mean we should close ourselves off from the rest of the world. On the contrary. It means we should have confidence to work with the best, anywhere in the world. We should not be afraid to learn from others. Above all, let's be proud of what we have to offer."
Today's breakthrough can be tomorrow's protection, the minister said. He therefore referred again to the motto of Cyber Days. "Cybersecurity made in Europe is not just a catchy slogan. It is a mission, born of necessity."
