How does cyberspace factor into hybrid conflict – and how can states improve their response?
These were among the key questions tackled in the fourth iteration of the Contribution of Cyber in Hybrid Conflict course, held between 6 and 10 October 2025 in Helsinki, Finland. The course brought together more than 40 participants from EU and NATO member states. It aimed to offer a strategic and practical examination of the use of cyber in hybrid threats.
Through expert-led lectures and a decision-making exercise the participants deepened their understanding of cyberattacks and hybrid campaigns, while exploring the whole-of-government approaches needed to respond effectively.
“One of the course’s key objectives was to provide a valuable opportunity for cross-sector networking and intellectual exchange, particularly between communities that seldom interact,” says Konstantin Bellini, Director of the Strategy and Defence Community of Interest at Hybrid CoE.
“We were delighted to have distinguished guest speakers from Ukraine and Japan. They provided us with valuable insights, offering different perspectives on the topic,” Bellini adds.
The course was organized by Hybrid CoE in cooperation with the European Defence Agency (EDA) and the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence (CCD CoE) under the aegis of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC).
