EU and UK hold third Cyber Dialogue in Brussels

On 9 and 10 December 2025, the European Union and the United Kingdom held their third Cyber Dialogue in Brussels, under the EU–UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation in response to an evolving cyber threat landscape and reinforcing practical coordination between both partners. 

During the dialogue, the EU and UK exchanged views on how cyber risks are changing and discussed ways to build cybersecurity capacity and deter malicious cyber activity. The discussion also included updates on each side’s policy and regulatory developments, reflecting the fact that cybersecurity resilience depends not only on technical measures but also on governance and coherent rules. 

A key operational theme was cybersecurity crisis coordination. The dialogue covered mechanisms and approaches that can support coordinated responses when incidents occur, helping to reduce the risk of fragmented reactions during high-pressure events. 

The meeting also addressed efforts to counter cybercrime, including ransomware—a form of malicious attack that locks data and demands payment to restore access. By including ransomware explicitly, the dialogue signals continued prioritisation of the most disruptive and financially damaging cybercrime models affecting governments, businesses, and critical services. 

Beyond immediate threat response, the EU and UK also discussed how to improve accountability and promote responsible state behaviour in cyberspace, including in the context of ongoing discussions at the United Nations. This reflects a parallel track of cybersecurity cooperation: shaping norms and expectations for state conduct while improving day-to-day resilience and enforcement. 

The EU and UK agreed to hold the next Cyber Dialogue in 2026 in London, indicating that this structured engagement will continue as a standing mechanism for bilateral coordination. 

Source: EU and UK hold the third Cyber Dialogue, reinforcing their collaboration on cybersecurity | Shaping Europe’s digital future