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Empowering Europe with Digital and Cybersecurity Skills
What is the digital future of Europe? And what is the current state of our digital and cybersecurity skills? We would like to invite you to a conference Empowering Europe With Digital and Cybersecurity Skills. This conference aims to focus on assessing the current state of digital skills and cybersecurity competencies. Together, we will discuss what steps need to be taken to ensure we do not miss the opportunity to move forward. This event will bring together policymakers, industry leaders, and education experts to explore how Europe can accelerate its digital transformation, strengthen cybersecurity resilience, and bridge key digital skill gaps.
Date: 9th July 2025
Location: Permanent Representation of the Slovak Republic to the EU in Brussels
Key Topics:
- What role does the Union of Skills play in creating pathways for continuous skill development, especially in emerging digital fields?
- How can the IT Fitness Test serve as a game-changer in accurately assessing and boosting digital skills across Europe?
- How can the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework be applied effectively by EU Member States to address skill gaps and enhance cybersecurity resilience across Europe?
- How can we inspire young girls, starting from elementary school, to explore and pursue careers in technology, fostering a diverse and innovative digital landscape?
Agenda:
09:00 – 09:25 Welcome and Opening Remarks
09:25 – 10:50 I. Panel: Digital Skills – Current Status and Future Outlook
We will assess the current state of digital skills in Europe in the context of achieving the goals of the Digital Decade 2030. We will discuss how to effectively fulfill the objectives of the Digital Compass in the area of digital skills. Our aim is to exchange insights on strengthening digital literacy across Europe and to focus on concrete measures the European Commission should adopt to reach the targets of the Digital Decade.
10:50 – 11:10 Coffee Break
11:10 – 12:25 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 improving digital skills. The discussion will highlight how these practices can serve as a model for broader European efforts to support a digitally skilled workforce and address gaps in cybersecurity expertise. Key topics will include the integration of digital skills into education systems and the promotion of gender diversity in technology-related fields.
12:25 – 13:30 Networking Lunch
13:30 – 14:45 III. Panel: Cybersecurity Skills as Fuel for the European Labour Market
The aim of the panel is to explore the application of the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework by EU Member States and how this framework can support governments and organizations in identifying skills gaps and investing in targeted cybersecurity education. The discussion will focus on how Member States can develop the knowledge needed to protect critical infrastructure while effectively responding to cyber threats. We also aim to explore the possibilities of attracting talent from third countries, as well as strategies for less affluent Member States to address the issue of brain drain.
14:45 – 15:15 IV. Panel: Women in IT – Empowering the Next Generation: Supporting Girls in IT and Digital Skills
This panel will focus on the critical role digital skills play in shaping future opportunities for young women. Promoting an inclusive and diverse digital environment begins at the primary school level, where girls should have equal access to resources, mentorship, and hands-on IT experiences. We will discuss the need for targeted programs and policies that encourage girls – especially those aged 13 to 15 – to engage with technology, explore their interests and develop digital skills that are essential in today’s economy.
15:15 – 15:30 Closing Remarks
Please save the date—registration will open soon! We will share further details and the registration link in the coming weeks.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us.
We look forward to your participation!