An ecosystem built over time: ECSO’s role in advancing European cybersecurity financing

Over the past decade, Europe has built one of the world's largest cybersecurity ecosystems, bringing together industry, investors, governments, research institutions and innovators. What began as an effort to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities has evolved into a broader mission: creating globally competitive companies and a sustainable investment ecosystem. This discussion will explore ECSO’s role in that journey and Europe’s next phase of cybersecurity financing, marked by the launch of the €1.7 billion Cybersecurity and Defence Fund-of-Funds initiative developed jointly by the European Investment Fund (EIF), the European Investment Bank (EIB), the European Commission, ECSO and participating Member States.

The panel will examine why cybersecurity is increasingly viewed as both a security imperative and an attractive investment opportunity, how public capital can mobilise private investment, and what is needed for Europe to create the next generation of global cybersecurity champions. As cybersecurity, defence, AI and critical digital infrastructure become central to Europe’s competitiveness and technological sovereignty, the discussion will highlight the growing importance of capital, policy and ecosystem-building in shaping Europe’s digital future.