Estonian formin: We need more cyber diplomats to ensure security in cyberspace

TALLINN – In his speech at the Tallinn Summer School of Cyber Diplomacy, which brings together diplomats, researchers and experts  from 43 countries, Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna said that for Estonia, the continued development of cyber capabilities and consistent boosting of cybersecurity are existential.

To ensure responsible behavior and the overall stability of cyberspace, we need more cyber diplomats in Estonia and beyond, the minister said according to spokespeople.

"Russia's aggression against Ukraine has once again shown that cyberattacks have become an integral part of the way Russia wages war. Malicious cyber operations targeting critical infrastructure -- for example, public e-services, banking systems or hospitals -- cannot be justified and they are in complete violation of international law," Tsahkna said, adding that this is why it is important to continue developing cyber diplomacy capabilities.

From June 12 to 16, the fourth Tallinn Summer School of Cyber Diplomacy is held in Tallinn, bringing together around 60 diplomats, researchers and experts specializing in cyber topics from Europe and beyond. The main focus of the summer school is on international law and norms in cyberspace, the role of cyber operations in conflict, increasing cyber resilience and deterrence activities.

The summer school is organized by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in cooperation with the European Commission's Directorate-General for International Partnerships (INTPA), the e-Governance Academy (eGA) and ESTDEV.