Invitation
Empowering Europe with Digital and Cybersecurity Skills
Dear Partners
What is the current state of our digital and cybersecurity skills? And are we truly ready to meet the ever-increasing demands of the digital future?
We are pleased to invite you to the conference “Empowering Europe with Digital and Cybersecurity Skills,” which will focus on assessing the current state of digital and cybersecurity competencies not only in the Central European region. As Europe undergoes a rapid digital transformation, this event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and education experts to discuss the steps needed to strengthen cybersecurity resilience, accelerate digital progress, and close critical digital skill gaps. Together, we will explore how to ensure Europe remains competitive, secure, and inclusive in the digital age.
Date: 9th July 2025
Location: Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU (in Brussels), Avenue de Cortenbergh 79, Brussels, Belgium
Agenda:
09:00 – 09:25 Welcome and Opening Remarks
Mária Malová, Ambassador, Deputy Permanent Representative, Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU
Marek Bezák, Advisor of the Minister of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic
Mário Lelovský, Chairman, Digital Coalition, Slovak Republic
Georgi Dimitrov, Head of Unit Digital Education, Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture, European Commission
09:25 – 10:45 I. Panel: Digital Skills – Current Status and Future Outlook
Evaluation of the current state of play of digital skills in Europe in the context of achieving the goals of the Digital Decade 2030. The discussion will focus on how to effectively meet the objectives of the Digital Compass in the area of digital skills. The main topics will include:
- Progress in implementing the Digital Education Action Plan – what has been achieved and what are the main challenges?
- Analysis of successful initiatives and identification of areas where improvement is needed.
- Key priorities for the next five years in the areas of digital education and upskilling.
- Public-private sector collaboration in increasing digital skills among citizens and the workforce.
The panel will provide valuable insights on how to strengthen digital literacy in Europe and what concrete measures the new Commission should take to achieve the goals of the Digital Decade.
Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca Municipality, Member of the Committee of the Regions and Rapporteur of the CoR opinion on the Union of Skills Strategy, Romania
Martin Úlovec, Ministerial Commissioner for Digitization and Digital Education at the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports, National Institute of Education of the Czech Republic
Andreea Calbeaza, Senior Manager, Government Affairs, Microsoft, Chair of the Skills & Inclusion Working Group, Digital Europe
Rehana Schwinninger-Ladak, Head of Unit Interactive Technologies, Digital for Culture and Education, Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology, European Commission
Marek Čanecký, First Secretary at the Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU, MODERATOR
10:45 – 11:00 The Digital Bridge to Integration: Supporting Ukrainians in the Slovak Republic
Alona Kurotova, Representative of the Ukrainian Community in Slovakia
11:00 – 11:20 Coffee break
11:20 – 12:35 II. Panel: Digital Skills – Specific Projects and Best Practices
This panel will explore best practices from the V4 region, focusing on the implementation of the IT Fitness Test as a key tool for assessing and enhancing digital skills. It will highlight successful initiatives from Slovakia, Czech Republic, Poland, and Hungary, examining how these countries are using the IT Fitness Test to measure digital competencies and drive upskilling efforts. The discussion will also cover how these practices can serve as a model for broader European efforts, fostering a digitally skilled workforce and addressing gaps in cybersecurity expertise. Key topics will include integrating digital skills into education systems and promoting gender diversity in technology fields.
Lucia Martišková, Project Manager, Digital Coalition, Slovak Republic
Michal Kanownik, President, Digital Poland Association, Poland
Jaromír Hanzal, Director, Association for Applied Research in IT, Czech Republic
Viktor Bálint, Education and Labour Market Working Group Lead, Association of Digital Companies, Hungary
Katarína Schwertnerová, Senior Advisor, EU Strategy, MODERATOR
12:35 – 13:35 Networking Lunch
13:35 – 13:50 Cyber Game – A Talent Show or How to Attract Young People to Cybersecurity?
Jaroslav Ďurovka, Head of National Cyber Security Centre (SK-CERT), National Security Authority, Slovak Republic
13:50 – 14:50 III. Panel / Cybersecurity Skills as Fuel for the European Labour Market
The panel aims to explore the application of the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework by EU Member States and provide a regional perspective on the current situation. The audience will gain insights into how the framework can help governments and organizations identify skill gaps and invest in targeted cybersecurity education and training. The speakers will examine whether establishing a common language for cybersecurity job roles, facilitating the mobility of skilled professionals across Member States, could strengthen labour markets, address real-time demands, and enhance trust. They will also discuss additional ways for Member States to develop the expertise needed to safeguard critical infrastructure, key ICT systems, and national registers while effectively responding to cyber threats. Furthermore, the panel will explore alternative solutions to addressing the shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the EU, such as integrating cybersecurity into school curricula, upskilling or reskilling the existing workforce, and launching awareness campaigns. These initiatives can include increasing the visibility of cybersecurity careers through hackathons, competitions, and talent programs. Additionally, the discussion will assess the costs and benefits of attracting new talent from third countries. “The panellists will also expand on strategies for smaller and less affluent Member States to combat the brain drain to countries offering higher salaries.
Evangelos Ouzounis, Head of Unity Capacity Building and Skills, ENISA
Marek Zeman, Senior Consultant, Cybersecurity Competence and Certification Centre, Slovak Republic
Jean-Francois Simons, SC2, Senior Security Advisor and Chair of the European Council of ISACs
Jeppe Engell, Senior Advisor for Cyber Policy, Danish Industry
Radoslav Repa, Counsellor, Cyber Issues and Trust Services, National Security Authority, Slovakia, MODERATOR
14:50 – 15:55 IV. Panel / Women in IT – Empowering the Next Generation: Supporting Girls in IT and Digital Skills
The importance of early digital education cannot be overstated, especially when it comes to encouraging young girls to pursue careers in Information Technology (IT) and related fields. This panel will explore the critical role that digital skills play in shaping future opportunities for young women. Fostering an inclusive and diverse digital landscape starts at the primary school level, where girls should have equal access to resources, mentorship, and hands-on experiences in IT.
We will discuss the need for targeted programs and policies that encourage girls, especially those aged 13-15, to engage with technology, explore their interests, and develop digital skills that are crucial in today’s economy. From supporting gender equality in digital professions to bridging the digital gender gap, this panel will emphasize the long-term benefits of empowering girls with the tools to succeed in an increasingly digital world.
Lenka Krištofičová, Project Manager, Digital Coalition, Slovak Republic
Diogo da Silva, Pedagogical Director, Visionarium, Portugal
Angela Jafarova, Head of Coding School, Datorium, Latvia
Monika Kapráliková, Author and Women´s Voice Advocate, Slovakia, MODERATOR
15:55 – 16:00 Closing Remarks
We look forward to your participation!
Best regards,
Event Organizers:
Ministry of Investments, Regional Development and Informatization of the Slovak Republic
National Security Authority
Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU
Digital Coalition