News item | 20-12-2024 | 13:45
For more than a thousand days, Ukrainians have been fighting tooth and nail to defend their country. The war is not only taking place on the front lines, but also online. The Tallinn Mechanism will celebrate its one-year anniversary on December 20. Through the Tallinn Mechanism, the Netherlands works together with other countries on the online security of Ukraine and itself.
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What is the Tallinn Mechanism?
When the war began two years ago, Ukraine approached a number of international partners with requests for cyber support. Many countries were prepared to provide this support, but until then this had mainly been done on an ad hoc basis: without fixed agreements or plans. To better organize aid, the Tallinn Mechanism was established last year.
The Tallinn Mechanism maps out what Ukraine needs to better protect itself against cyber attacks. Participating countries and organizations then look for opportunities to help. Consider, for example, stopping cyber attacks or training for experts. This way, Ukrainian systems can be protected faster and better. The mechanism uses knowledge from governments and companies from all over the world.
Who is participating?
The Netherlands collaborates with eleven countries in the mechanism: Canada, Denmark, Estonia, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, the United States, and Ukraine itself. The European Union, NATO, companies and NGOs are also involved. Each of these parties brings specific knowledge and resources.
Thanks to the strength of Ukraine itself and international help, the country’s digital system continues to work, despite the many attacks.
Results so far
Important steps have been taken in the first year of the Tallinn Mechanism. Dozens of Ukrainian government institutions and critical infrastructure operators have been helped to improve their digital security. The Mechanism has helped Ukraine with devices and programs that prevent cyber attacks. Systems have also been supplied that detect and stop malicious software (malware). The support consists, for example, of software packages and licenses, or the training of Ukrainian cybersecurity experts.
In addition, Ukraine has received new satellite connections thanks to the mechanism. These are very important for keeping vital services running during the war. In total, more than €200 million has been raised through the mechanism to help Ukraine improve its digital security.
Safe internet for everyone
The Tallinn Mechanism sends a clear message: Ukraine can count on our full support. Together we continue to work to protect Ukraine’s important civilian infrastructure from Russian cyber attacks. Such attacks are harmful and violate international laws and agreements. All countries that are members of the United Nations must adhere to these rules.
Cyber support is therefore an important part of our support to Ukraine. The war in Ukraine shows that cyber attacks are part of 21st century warfaree century. We are also noticing the consequences of this in the Netherlands. Because we are connected to the entire world via the internet, cyber attacks in Ukraine are also a danger to the Netherlands and the rest of Europe.
The Netherlands continues to support Ukraine, now and in the future. This war shows how important digital security is for a society. The Tallinn Mechanism is a good example of how countries can work together against digital threats and for a safer internet for all.
Read more
Read the Joint Declaration of the Tallinn Mechanism (in English).