(1)

On 23 January 2026, Greece, Austria, Croatia, Cyprus Slovenia, as members, submitted to the Commission an application in accordance with Article 14(1) of Decision (EU) 2022/2481 to set up the European Digital Infrastructure Consortium for Cybersecurity Skills Coalition (CSC-EDIC).

(2)

As the host Member State, Greece has provided a declaration in accordance with Article 14(1), point (d), of Decision (EU) 2022/2481 recognising CSC-EDIC as an international body within the meaning of Article 143(1), point (g), and Article 151(1), point (b), of Council Directive 2006/112/EC (2) and as an international organisation within the meaning of Article 11(1), point (b), of Council Directive (EU) 2020/262 (3).

(3)

The Commission has assessed the application pursuant to Article 14(2) of Decision (EU) 2022/2481. It has concluded that the application contains all elements required by Article 14(1) of Decision (EU) 2022/2481. Taking into account the general objectives of the Digital Decade Policy Programme, notably the contribution of the proposed EDIC to the development of a comprehensive and sustainable ecosystem of interoperable digital infrastructures, and practical considerations related to the implementation of the multi-country project, in particular its technical, financial, administrative capacity of the proposed EDIC, the Commission concluded that the proposed EDIC meets all the specific requirements laid down in Articles 13 to 21 of Decision (EU) 2022/2481.

(4)

In accordance with the Statutes accompanying the application, the principal task of CSC-EDIC will be to implement a multi-country project in the area of skills and training in cybersecurity identified in the Annex to Decision (EU) 2022/2481. The EDIC will support the implementation of the objectives set out in the Commission Communication of 18 April 2023 entitled ‘Closing the cybersecurity talent gap to boost the EU’s competitiveness, growth and resilience’ (COM(2023) 207 final) (the Cybersecurity Skills Academy), with a view to enhancing the Union’s cybersecurity education, training, and workforce development capabilities. In pursuance of this principal task, the CSC-EDIC will address the expanding cybersecurity skills gap and promote capacity building across public authorities, industry and small and medium-sized enterprises in the Member States, thereby reinforcing the competitiveness, growth, and resilience of the Union. To deliver on this objective, the CSC-EDIC will also undertake proactive actions to promote the upskilling and reskilling of professionals in – and transitioning into – cybersecurity, ensuring alignment with workforce needs and skills gaps and regulatory conformity of Union industries and national administrations. Additionally, it will support the implementation of, and adherence to, relevant European legal instruments. This work aligns with the vision of the Union of Skills adopted on 5 March 2025.

(5)

The CSC-EDIC will, as appropriate, coordinate its activities with the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), making use of ENISA-developed tools such as the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework and taking into due account ENISA’s tasks as laid down in Regulation (EU) 2019/881 of the European Parliament and of the Council (4) as well as the proposed role of ENISA in the Commission proposal for a Cybersecurity Act 2 (COM(2026) 11 final). The CSC-EDIC will further leverage opportunities stemming from this proposal. It will also coordinate with the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC), pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2021/887 of the European Parliament and of the Council (5), particularly in relation to the advancement of industrial, technological, and research capabilities. To ensure complementarity and synergy across initiatives, the CSC-EDIC will establish collaboration arrangements with ENISA and the ECCC.

(6)

The measures provided for in this Decision are in accordance with opinion of the committee established by Article 23(1) of Decision (EU) 2022/2481.

(7)

In order to allow for the prompt application of the measures provided for in this Decision, namely the start of the operation of CSC-EDIC, which is urgently necessary for the orderly implementation of the Cybersecurity Skills Academy, this Decision should enter into force on the day of its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.