This Week in ICT & Cybersecurity — Brussels (#29, 2026)
Commission proposes EU Critical Communication System; Additional €500m for Horizon Europe; Cybersecurity survey released; Council adopts Space Threat Response Decision; Parliament plenary quiet.
September 28, 2026 to October 04, 2026
Commission proposes EU Critical Communication System; Additional €500m for Horizon Europe; Cybersecurity survey released; Council adopts Space Threat Response Decision; Parliament plenary quiet.
📋 In This Week's Newsletter
• 📅 This Week's Calendar in Brussels
• 🇪🇺 European Commission
• ⚖️ EU Legislation
• 🤝 EU Council
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week
This Week's Calendar in Brussels
- Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE): On October 08, the European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) is scheduled to meet. Agenda includes: * * *; Amending Directive (EU) 2022/2555 as regards simplification measures and alignment with the [Proposal for the Cybersecurity Act 2]; Amending Directives (EU) 2018/2001, (EU) 2019/944, (EU) 2024/1788 as regards acceleration of permit-granting procedures.
European Commission
Commission proposes EU Critical Communication System for first responders
On 29 September 2026, the European Commission proposed a Regulation to establish the European Union Critical Communication System (EUCCS), aiming to provide secure, interoperable communication for first responders across all Member States. The proposal, announced by President Ursula von der Leyen and Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen, will enable cross-border data, video, and geolocation sharing, even where terrestrial networks are down. The system will integrate European-built components, including satellites and broadband mobile networks, to ensure resilience and security. Two new EU centres are planned: the Network Monitoring Centre for connectivity and the Security Monitoring Centre for cyber risk. The phased rollout will begin in 2030, with all Member States connected by 2036. The initiative follows recommendations from the 2025 Internal Security Strategy and the Niinistö Report on EU preparedness.
Commission allocates €500 million additional funding to Horizon Europe for 2026-2027
On 28 September 2026, the Commission announced an extra €500 million for Horizon Europe, raising its 2026-2027 budget to €14.8 billion. Two new cross-cutting calls are introduced: Transformative Change Towards a Nature-Positive Economy and Society (€227 million) and Bridging Actions 2027 (€260 million). The new calls target digital platforms for energy, AI, and biodiversity R&I. According to monitoring reports published the same day, Horizon Europe has funded nearly 23,000 projects, supporting over 151,000 early-career researchers and 20,000 companies. The programme continues to attract a high share of new participants.
Commission releases Eurobarometer survey on cybersecurity at work
On 29 September 2026, the European Commission published Flash Eurobarometer 576, showing that 75% of EU employees experienced suspicious emails or cyber threats at work. Phishing was the most common, with 39% reporting attempts, while only 48% could identify AI-generated fake videos. The survey highlights a gap between cybersecurity awareness and daily practice, with only half regularly following recommended cyber hygiene. The results coincide with the launch of European Cybersecurity Month, and the Commission noted ongoing implementation of NIS2 Directive, Cybersecurity Act, and the Cyber Resilience Act. The survey covered 25,747 citizens across all Member States.
Commission increases support for research careers with €210 million boost to Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions
On 30 September 2026, the Commission announced more than €210 million in additional funding for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA), enabling over 700 extra researchers to build careers in Europe. The funding, part of the Choose Europe initiative, addresses record demand, with the 2026 MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships call receiving 21,627 applications. The MSCA celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, having supported more than 150,000 researchers since 1996. Budgets for Postdoctoral Fellowships and Doctoral Networks in 2027 will reach €459 million and €645 million, respectively.
EU Legislation (Official Journal)
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2195 establishes EU Space Threat Response Architecture
Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2195 of 28 September 2026 sets up the European Union Space Threat Response Architecture (STRA) as a mechanism to address space threats affecting EU security and space services. The Decision replaces CFSP 2021/698, expands the response toolbox, and introduces procedures for urgent action and cooperation with agencies such as the European Union Agency for the Space Programme. The STRA includes diplomatic, technical, and strategic communication measures, as well as the possibility of restrictive measures and CSDP missions related to space threats.
Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2221 identifies European Defence Projects of Common Interest
Council Implementing Decision (EU) 2026/2221 of 28 September 2026, under Regulation (EU) 2025/2643 (EDIP Regulation), designates five European Defence Projects of Common Interest (EDPCIs) proposed by Member States. The projects aim to reinforce the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base. The Council will consider additional projects in future calls for expressions of interest.
EU-US Joint Committee Decision No 80/2026 updates Conformity Assessment Bodies for Electromagnetic Compatibility
Joint Committee Decision No 80/2026, signed on 17 August 2026, adds a new Conformity Assessment Body to the list for the Sectoral Annex on Electromagnetic Compatibility under the EU-US Mutual Recognition Agreement. The scope of the listing has been agreed by both parties and will facilitate market access for relevant products.
EU Council
Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) discusses Ukraine and hybrid threats
On 28 September 2026, the Foreign Affairs Council (Defence) held an informal exchange with the Ukrainian defence minister and reviewed EU military support for Ukraine. Ministers also discussed hybrid threats, freedom of navigation in the Middle East, and the public procurement directive. High Representative Kaja Kallas chaired the European Defence Agency Steering Board.
Informal meeting of energy ministers under Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council
Energy ministers met informally on 28 September 2026 within the Transport, Telecommunications and Energy Council configuration. No official summary of outcomes was provided.
What We're Reading This Week
- Divided EU cyber defence faces real-life Russian and Chinese threats: EU struggles to coordinate cyber defence as escalating Russian and Chinese attacks expose vulnerabilities across member states.
- EU accused of hiding environmental impact of data centers: Critics claim EU officials are withholding information on the ecological footprint of rapidly expanding data centers across Europe.
- Europe fortifies itself against Russia’s hybrid war: European nations are ramping up defenses and coordination to counter Russian cyberattacks, disinformation, and covert threats.
