Thank you to all speakers, sponsors, partners & delegates who joined us. We look forward to seeing you at the 2026 edition. In the meantime, should you wish to find out more about speaking and sponsorship opportunities at next year’s event, please contact [email protected]





















As Europe reached the midpoint of the ‘Digital Decade’, the 12th Annual European Cyber Security Conference convened key policymakers, industry leaders, and cybersecurity experts to assess the progress, challenges, and future direction of cybersecurity in the EU and worldwide. Against a backdrop of rapid digital transformation, evolving cyber threats, and increasing geopolitical tensions, that year’s conference assessed the progress of cyber policies and examined the market dynamics, technological advancements, and global partnerships that shaped the cybersecurity landscape in the EU and beyond.
The event discussed issues related to the implementation and harmonisation of the EU cybersecurity rulebook, while also exploring future initiatives in the context of the Commission’s new commitment to regulatory simplification. It examined pathways to boost the competitiveness of the European cybersecurity market, highlighted strategies to close the cybersecurity skills gap and enhance public awareness, and analysed the role that emerging technologies played in reshaping the cybersecurity landscape. The conference also discussed best practices for operationalising cybersecurity and resilience, managing risks, and ensuring compliance. Furthermore, it assessed how stronger international cooperation could be fostered to combat rising cyber threats, protect digital assets and critical infrastructure, build capacity, and reinforce the EU’s position as a key player in global cybersecurity.
Forum Europe’s 11th European Cyber Security Conference took place in Brussels in March 2024. The achievements in cybersecurity in recent years were discussed over a series of panel discussions and two keynote sessions.
To discuss sponsorship and visibility opportunities at the 12th Annual European Cyber Security Conference 2025, please contact Anne-Lise Simon on [email protected].
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From Policymaking to Implementation in a Context of Regulatory Simplification
A European Cybersecurity Market
The Human Factor in Cybersecurity
Opportunities and Vulnerabilities of Emerging Digital Technologies
Cybersecurity in Practice – a CxO Discussion
Cyber Defence in Europe
Strengthening Collective Resilience Globally
Doina NistorDoina Nistor was appointed Minister of economic development and digitalization of Moldova in March 2025. She is a leader with over 20 years of experience in economic development and digital transformation in the Republic of Moldova.
Holding a PhD in Economics and Management from the Technical University of Moldova and advanced studies in Leadership and Management from Arizona State University, Doina Nistor has led major projects funded by the U.S., Swedish, and British governments. Her work has had a significant impact on the competitiveness and digitalization of key sectors, including information and communication technologies, tourism, winemaking, light industry, engineering, cybersecurity, and the creative industries.
Doina Nistor speaks Romanian, English and Russian and is an active member of the boards of key institutions, including the Investment Agency, Moldova Innovation Technology Park, the Institutional Strategic Development Council of the Technical University of Moldova, the National Institute for Education and Leadership, and the East European Foundation.
Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Economic Development and Digitalisation
Republic of Moldova
Joanna Pawełek-MendezJoanna Pawełek-Mendez, diplomat, PhD in the field of political science, minister-counsellor and chief of cybersecurity unit in the Department of Security Policy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Among her responsibilities are: cooperation with key partners in bilateral and multilateral cyberdiplomacy initiatives, promotion of Polish interests in ongoing processes within international organizations (UN, EU, NATO, OSCE) regarding: the analysis of threats in cyberspace, confidence-building measures, capacity building and the impact of new technologies on global peace and security. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2008.
In 2010-2016 she worked in Paris in the strategic affairs departments of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the General Directorate of Armaments (within the French Ministry of Defence), as well as head of the political department of the Embassy of the Republic of Poland in Paris. She also served as the liaison officer of the Polish Presidency of the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe in 2022. Romanist, graduate of the Institute of Political Studies of the Polish Academy of Sciences, of the National School of Public Administration and the Institute of Higher National Defense Studies in Paris.
Minister-Counsellor for International Aspects of Cyber Policy, Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Poland
Noortje HenrichsNoortje has led the Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) team at the Dutch National Centre for Cybersecurity (NCSC-NL) since 2018. She is responsible for all phases of the threat intelligence lifecycle—from collection to dissemination—ensuring the timely delivery of both general and sector-specific insights into digital threats to the NCSC’s constituency.
She also oversees the operational execution of the Dutch National Detection Network and manages the development and delivery of all CTI products and services provided by the NCSC.
As part of a national CSIRT, Noortje is committed to providing partners, institutions, and organizations with a comprehensive view of the national threat landscape—merging technical indicators with tactical and strategic context. To this end, she actively collaborates with experts, policymakers, and international organizations to stay ahead of emerging attack vectors, trends, and developments in the cybersecurity domain.
As a team lead, Noortje strongly advocates for the importance of diverse skill sets and perspectives within CTI teams, regularly emphasizing the value of inclusive and multidisciplinary collaboration.
Head of the Cyber Threat Intelligence team, NCSC
Netherlands
Rokas JonikasRokas Jonikas is a cybersecurity leader currently serving as Director of the Department of Cyber Security Operations Management at National Cyber Security Center, under the Ministry of Defence of Lithuania. His department plays an important role in safeguarding national digital infrastructure. Main activity fields are cyber incident response and digital forensics, vulnerability management and coordination of Security Operations Centers (SOCs).
With a Master’s degree in Commercial Law, Rokas brings a multidisciplinary perspective to cybersecurity, combining legal expertise with operational insight. Prior to his current role, he spent over a decade in public administration, including significant experience in IT management.
Director of the Cyber Security Operations Management Department
National Cyber Security Centre (NKSC/CERT-LT)
Héctor Laiz IbáñezHéctor Laiz Ibáñez is a Technician at the Director’s General Cabinet and of the National Coordination Center (NCC-ES) of the Spanish National Cybersecurity Institute (INCIBE), the entity designated to coordinate the network of the European Cybersecurity Competence Center (ECCC) of the European Commission in Spain. At NCC-ES, Héctor is involved in advancing Spain’s cybersecurity capabilities, fostering national and international collaborations, and supporting the execution of EU-funded projects aimed at enhancing common European cybersecurity capacities. The goal of NCC-ES also encompasses creating a public-private cybersecurity competence community in Spain and assisting stakeholders with technical support.
Héctor is a PhD Student of Industrial Cybersecurity and Economics at the School of Industrial, Computer and Aerospace Engineering of University of León, and is also an Associate Lecturer of the Department of Business Management and Economics at the Faculty of Economics and Business. His research focuses in cybersecurity, digital economy, strategic decision making, emerging technologies and chess. He has also previously worked in wine export management in La Rioja and in wine economic research at the Vine and Wine Research Institute at the University of León.
Héctor holds a Master’s Degree in Innovation and Digital Transformation from the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya and a University Degree in International Trade from the University of León.
Technician Cabinet & National Coordination Centre (NCC-ES)
INCIBE
Aura SallaBio to follow.
Member
European Parliament
Anne-Sophie DiehlAnne-Sophie Diehl joined the Commission 2021 as Policy Officer in Cybersecurity Technology and Capacity Building unit of the Directorate-General for Communications, Content and Technology (DG CNECT.H1) in the European Commission and Seconded National Expert (SNE) from the French cybersecurity agency (ANSSI). Since 2023, she has been responsible for setting up and leading the European Commission’s Cybersecurity Skills Academy, an initiative addressing the cybersecurity
Prior to her posting at the Commission, Anne-Sophie was in charge of European affairs at the Secrétariat Général de la Défense et de la Sécurité Nationale, representing the French National Security Authority in various European security committees in charge of protection of classified information.
Anne-Sophie holds a MSc degree from the London School of Economics (2015) and Master degrees from Sciences Po (2014) and Université Paris II-Panthéon Assas (2013). She also holds a Brevet technique de l’enseignement militaire supérieur (Ecole de Guerre-Terre, 2021).
Policy Officer, Cybersecurity and Trust, Cybersecurity Technology and Capacity Building, DG CONNECT
European Commission
Manon Le BlancManon Le Blanc is Coordinator for Cyber Issues and Deputy Head of Hybrid Threats and Cyber Division at the European External Action Service (EEAS) and recognized as one of Europe’s top 100 cyber women by the Women4Cyber foundation. Over last years, Manon has shaped the EU’s international cyber policies, notably through the development of the EU’s Cybersecurity Strategies as well as the EU’s framework for a joint diplomatic response (“cyber diplomacy toolbox”). Prior to her posting at the EEAS, Manon held various positions in the Netherlands government. She holds an MsC in Business Administration from the University of Amsterdam.
Coordinator for Cyber Issues and Deputy Head of the Hybrid Threats and Cyber Division
European External Action Service (EEAS)
Kristel-Amelie AimreKristel-Amelie Aimre is a diplomat and currently serving as a Policy Adviser at the Cyber and Digital Diplomacy Division of the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She has previously served as Trade and Economic Counsellor at the Estonian Embassy in Paris and worked on EU trade policy at the MFA. In addition, she has held positions focusing on EU affairs and in the field of technology. Kristel-Amelie Aimre is committed to strengthening international cooperation to ensure a secure and trusted digital future.
Policy Officer, Digital and Cyber Diplomacy Department
Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Alfredo VenezianiDr Alfredo Veneziani serves as EU Affairs Expert at the Italian National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN), where he plays an active role in shaping European Union cybersecurity policies and in the negotiation of both EU and national legislative instruments in this domain. A qualified lawyer and experienced public sector official, Dr Veneziani possesses a robust background in European institutions and international affairs. Prior to his current position, he served as Legal Officer at the Cabinet Office of the Italian Ministry of Enterprises and Made in Italy. In addition to his institutional responsibilities, Dr Veneziani is an Adjunct Professor of International Law at Suor Orsola Benincasa University of Naples. He holds an LL.M. in Law and a Ph.D. in International and EU Law, both from the University of Naples.
EU Affairs Expert
Italian National Cybersecurity Agency (ACN)
Aleksandra KulikovaAleksandra serves as Emerging Technology Risk Lead at Euroclear, running a new cross-team function in Group CISO focusing on technology risk foresight and continuous monitoring as part of broader technology strategy and governance around AI, quantum, blockchain and other emerging tech domains. Previously she joined Euroclear to help build Regulatory Watch function in CISO IT Risk to address IT and cybersecurity regulatory requirements and embed them into policies and controls frameworks.
Before Euroclear Aleksandra acted as Head of Global Stakeholder Engagement for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at ICANN, leading the development and implementation of ICANN’s regional strategy on global internet governance, DNS security, stability and resilience, promoting DNS security capacity building and adoption of anti-DNS abuse policies and strengthening the internet stakeholder community and network in the region across stakeholder groups. Earlier she ran the research programme on global internet governance, international information security, cyber diplomacy and digital sovereignty at the PIR Center think-tank joining international debate in these domains championed by the UN, OSCE, GFCE, UNIDIR, WEF and other global venues. She’s authored and co-authored a range of publications in the field and has been a frequent speaker and advisor on the intersection of technology, security and regulation.
Aleksandra also serves on the Editorial board of Chatham House’s Journal of Cyber Policy advising the leadership on the journal’s content strategy as well as performing peer reviews and mentorship.
CISO Emerging Technology Risk Lead
Euroclear
Valentina StadnicValentina Stadnic currently serves as a Programme Officer in the ITU Office for Europe. Previously, she was an ecosystem builder, passionate about creating synergistic impacts, guiding stakeholders in IT competitiveness, and unlocking opportunities for the IT sector in Moldova.
With over a decade of experience, Valentina’s commitment to the sector is evident in her diverse roles, from leading a virtual IT Park to holding senior government positions. Her work consistently focuses on developing innovative approaches that accelerate the transformation towards a digital economy, streamlining corporate innovation practices, boosting industry growth, supporting job-creation partnerships, and promoting sustainable investments.
Valentina is dedicated to bridging gaps between diverse stakeholder initiatives, policy, and technology to foster development. As a government advisor, she has been involved in numerous projects, programs, and policy changes, including legislative reforms that foster the digital economy.
She has extensive expertise in knowledge sharing and capacity building for institutions and public sector stakeholders, as well as building partnerships with various organizations and donor institutions. Valentina brings a wealth of policy, project, and program management experience from both the public and non-profit sectors.
Her educational background in economics and international relations is complemented by various training programs in technology challenges, policy development, program design, and management. Valentina’s multifaceted experience and passion for digital innovation continue to drive her contributions to the IT sector.
Programme Officer
The ITU Office for Europe
Fabio Di FrancoFabio Di Franco is working for the European Union agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) since 2017. He is the mastermind of the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework (ECSF), the EU reference framework for cybersecurity skills and roles. He is currently leading the initiative around the ECSF and the mapping with regulatory framework and other policy initiatives. He is also responsible for developing skills in the EU member states and EU institutions through trainings and table-top exercises for cybersecurity professionals.
Fabio has worked more than 15 years in public and private organizations and has a master and a PhD in telecommunication engineering. He is a frequent speaker to conferences and events and an advocate in order attract new talents to cybersecurity.
Project Manager of Skills
ENISA
Roberto CascellaRoberto Cascella is the Chief Technology Officer at the European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO). He leads two technical working groups: one focused on defining the cybersecurity research and investment roadmap for trusted and resilient technologies, and the other dedicated to standardisation and certification in cybersecurity, with the mission of establishing trusted supply chains at the EU level.
Prior to joining ECSO, Roberto worked as an Innovation and Research Project Manager and Research Scientist, contributing to several EU-funded projects. He holds a Ph.D. in ICT from the University of Trento (2007), and an M.Sc. in Telecommunication Engineering from Politecnico di Torino and KTH Stockholm (2003).
Chief Technology Officer
European Cyber Security Organisation (ECSO)
Marc VaelMarc is a global leader in security, privacy and IT compliance with +30 years of experience.
As the Chief Digital Trust Officer at Esko, Marc ensures with his team the protection of mission-critical packaging design and artwork initiatives spanning safe food, medicines, and the quality of essential goods.
Marc shares his experiences as guest professor at prestigious institutions such as Antwerp Management School, Solvay Brussels School, Vlerick Business School, and TIAS Tilburg, where he mentors the next generation of IT leaders.
In addition to his role at Esko, Marc is also president of SAI.BE, Belgium’s premier knowledge association for IT employees and Marc coordinates the ECSO CISO Community Belgium.
Chief Digital Trust Officer
Esko
Danielle JacobsDanielle Jacobs is CEO of Beltug, the Belgian association of CIOs & Digital Technology leaders, with over 3000 members from 540+ organisations.
At the EU level, Danielle is member of the Leadership Team of the cooperation from the CIO associations in France (Cigref), Germany (VOICE), the Netherlands (CIO Platform) and Belgium (Beltug), to represent the business ICT users at the European and international levels. She is a Fellow at VUB, the Free University of Brussels.
CEO
Beltug
Matthias SachsDr. Matthias Sachs serves as Google’s Cybersecurity Policy Lead for Europe. He assumed this role after joining Google in February 2021, where he initially worked in Public Affairs and Trust & Safety. Previously, Dr. Sachs held the position of Director Corporate Affairs for Central and Eastern Europe at Microsoft. His professional trajectory commenced as a political advisor to a Member of Parliament in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, followed by experience in political consulting. He holds a doctoral degree in Political Science from the University of Cologne, where he also earned a master’s degree in Political Science, History, and German Philology.
Cybersecurity Policy Lead Europe
Skip MannSkip Mann is a global security executive recognized for transforming complex, siloed organizations into unified, strategy-driven enterprises that deliver measurable business value.
As Executive Director of Enterprise Security Strategy, Assurance, and Trust at Lenovo, he leads a global function integrating security governance, assurance, trust, advocacy, operations, and program management under one coordinated leadership model. Skip’s role ensures security is embedded as a core business enabler, directly influencing multi-billion-dollar revenue growth, safeguarding brand reputation, and mitigating geopolitical risk.
He has partnered with Boards, C-suites, and government leaders to shape security policy, manage geopolitical and regulatory risk, and strengthen enterprise resilience across industries and global markets. His leadership spans cybersecurity, product security, physical security, supply chain risk management, privacy, and AI governance.
Skip is known for building high-performance global teams and embedding a culture of trust and accountability. He consistently delivers measurable outcomes that align security investments with corporate strategy.
Executive Director, Enterprise Security Strategy, Assurance, and Trust
Lenovo
Siggi StefnissonSiggi Stefnisson leads Technology at Gen, including core technology as well as the teams driving the security engines that shape the company’s vision for Cyber Safety. Prior to his roles as Cyber Safety CTO, Siggi served as the head of the Threat Labs team and transformed the organization with over 100 security experts focused on developing new methods to counteract malware threats.
Before joining Avast in March 2021, Siggi was the Vice President of Threat Research at Cyren, where he spent over 7 years honing his cybersecurity expertise. With more than 25 years in the industry, he started as a virus researcher in 1996 at FRISK which was acquired by Cyren (formerly Commtouch) in 2012. His work involves advanced threat analysis and the development of best practices in cybersecurity. Throughout his career, he’s had a passion for mentorship and building high-performance teams while using technology as an enabler to bring the best out of people.
Siggi is a member of th