Strengthening cyber security through diplomacy: Sarajevo workshop highlights EU support

On 17 March 2025, a workshop on cyber diplomacy took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bosnia and Herzegovina in Sarajevo. This event was part of the EU Support to Western Balkans Cybersecurity Capacity Building (Cyber Balkans) project, an EU-funded initiative aimed at helping Western Balkan countries build stronger defences against online threats and align with EU standards for digital governance and cybersecurity.

What is cyber diplomacy?

Cyber diplomacy uses international cooperation and negotiations to respond to threats in cyberspace. These threats include, but are not limited to:

• Cyberattacks on government systems or public infrastructure.
• Disinformation campaigns that mislead the public or disrupt elections.
• Attacks on critical infrastructure, such as power grids or communication networks.

By improving diplomatic and technical coordination, countries can:

• Prevent cyber conflicts.
• Promote responsible online behaviour.
• Strengthen trust between states.

Key insights from the workshop

The workshop featured sessions led by experts from the European Union (EU), the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), and the United Nations (UN).

The EU perspective: a rules-based digital world

Yoeri van Haaften from the European External Action Service (EEAS) presented the EU’s Cyber Diplomacy Strategy, which supports:

• A global, open, and secure internet based on the rule of law and human rights.
• International agreements that set rules for how states should behave online.
• A coordinated EU Cyber Diplomacy Toolbox, which includes responses like sanctions against malicious cyber activities.

The EU’s approach links digital security with broader goals such as peace, privacy, and economic development.

The OSCE Session: Building Trust Through Cooperation

Szilvia Tóth from the OSCE explained how the organisation promotes Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs). Countries take voluntary steps to increase transparency and reduce the risk of misunderstandings in cyberspace. Examples include:

• Sharing contact points for cyber incidents
• Developing public-private partnerships to respond to cyber threats
• Exchanging information on protecting vital infrastructure like power or health systems

The UN’s role: developing global norms

Katherine Prizeman from the UN Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) outlined the work of the Open-Ended Working Group (OEWG). This UN group is helping countries agree on:

• Common legal rules for cyberspace.
• Voluntary guidelines for state conduct online.
• Capacity building to help smaller states defend themselves.

She also introduced the planned Programme of Action (PoA) to make UN cyber coordination permanent and inclusive.

Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Path Forward

Ambassador Emina Merdan shared Bosnia and Herzegovina’s current efforts in cyber diplomacy, including participation in the UN and OSCE, and early steps toward creating a dedicated cyber team within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The workshop helped:

• Raise awareness among ministries.
• Encourage alignment with EU digital policies.
• Support regional cooperation and learning.

Next Steps

To improve cyber resilience and digital trust, Bosnia and Herzegovina is encouraged to:

• Establish a cyber diplomacy unit within its foreign ministry.
• Join regional networks and share best practices.
• Improve cooperation between ministries and private stakeholders.

This workshop was organised by the Centre for International Legal Cooperation (CILC), e-Governance Academy (eGA), and the National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NÚKIB) as part of the Cyber Balkans project. The project supports the region’s digital transformation and helps prepare countries for EU integration through enhanced cyber capabilities.