The NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCDCOE) marked its 15th anniversary by welcoming four new member nations: Ukraine, Japan, Iceland, and Ireland.
At the CCDCOE headquarters in Tallinn, the flags of each country were raised to symbolize their formal integration into the international cyber defence community. This expansion is expected to strengthen cooperation, deepen knowledge sharing, and unify collective efforts to address evolving cyber threats.
CCDCOE Director Mart Noorma thanked Iceland, Ireland, Japan, and Ukraine for joining the Centre, stressing the importance of like-minded nations working together to tackle cyber threats in a structured and coordinated way. He said the Centre’s core objectives include promoting cooperation, conducting research, delivering training, and running cyber defence exercises.
Estonian Minister of Defence Hanno Pevkur congratulated the CCDCOE on its growth from a small team into NATO’s largest centre of excellence. He offered a warm welcome to the new members and underlined the particular value of Ukraine’s participation: Ukrainian experts can both contribute their frontline experience and gain insights from international partners, improving cybersecurity across the membership.
At the beginning of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, a notable cyberattack targeted satellite operator Viasat, disrupting communications across Ukraine. The incident caused spillover effects that impacted wind turbines in Germany. Officials warned that if such spillover had placed lives at risk, it could have prompted a collective response from NATO allies.
During a UN General Assembly session, a Russian foreign ministry spokesman argued that satellite use amounts to “indirect participation” in the conflict and suggested that “quasi-civilian infrastructure may become a legitimate target for retaliation,” a stance that highlights ongoing international debate over the rules governing cyber operations.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna praised the CCDCOE’s international projects, noting their sustained impact. He highlighted flagship initiatives such as the Locked Shields cyber defence exercise and the annual CyCon conference, both of which have become important fixtures in the international cyber community.
Tsahkna also underscored the significance of the Tallinn Manual, which for more than a decade has been a key reference for interpreting how international law applies in cyberspace. He expressed his hopes for the CCDCOE’s continued success as it grows with new members, stressing that unity strengthens collective resilience.
Representatives from the new member countries shared statements about their decision to join the CCDCOE.
Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and for Defence, Peter Burke, said membership will support Ireland’s efforts to develop cyber security capacity. He acknowledged the transformative benefits of the digital age and warned that those benefits also bring risks, making collective defence against malicious cyber activity essential.
Ambassador Harald Aspelund of Iceland said strengthening cyber resilience, security, and defence is a national priority. He noted that joining the CCDCOE gives Iceland the chance both to contribute to and to learn from a shared body of knowledge, which will enhance collective security.
Japan’s Chargé d’Affaires ad interim, Sakai Yuki, emphasized Japan’s commitment to enhancing its cyber response capabilities. Japan intends to contribute to the CCDCOE’s work, deepen cooperation with NATO and like-minded partners, and uphold an international order grounded in universal values and international law.
Ambassador Mariana Betsa of Ukraine described membership as a milestone in Ukraine’s relationship with NATO. Given ongoing Russian aggression and hybrid warfare, Ukraine’s participation is expected to strengthen its cyber capabilities and facilitate direct exchange of operational experience in cybersecurity with partners.
The CCDCOE’s enlargement reflects growing international recognition of the need for collaborative, multilateral approaches to confronting cyber threats. The new members bring additional expertise, perspectives, and practical experience that will support the Centre’s mission.
With these contributions, the CCDCOE is well positioned to continue advancing cyber defence, resilience, and the development of legal and practical norms that govern states’ behaviour in cyberspace.
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