Establishment of the Tallinn Mechanism – Polish Support for Ukraine’s Cybersecurity

 

On the 20th of December 2023, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Denmark, Estonia, France, Canada, the Netherlands, Germany, Sweden, the United States, and the United Kingdom announced the creation of the Tallinn Mechanism. This initiative aims to strengthen NATO member states’ cooperation in the field of cybersecurity, with a particular focus on supporting Ukraine. 

The Tallinn Mechanism was established in response to the need for coordinating efforts to build Ukraine’s civilian capacity in the realm of cyberspace. Its primary goal is to assist Ukraine in maintaining its fundamental right to self-defense in the field of cybersecurity and meeting its long-term needs for digital resilience. According to the statements of the founding states, the directions of action within the Tallinn Mechanism will be distinct but complementary to military and civilian efforts to build cyber capabilities and digital development in Ukraine.  

Collaboration in exchanging information on threats, such as cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, telecommunication systems, and supply chain threats, is particularly significant. These actions have a transboundary dimension, underscoring the necessity for close cooperation with allies and strategic partners, from Poland and Ukraine. 

Poland, already in August 2022, signed an agreement with Ukraine regarding cooperation in the areas of digitization and cybersecurity. Within this agreement, Poland has undertaken several projects to support Ukraine, including the construction of a mobile data center and the procurement of equipment and access to broadband satellite communication, such as the Starlink system. 

In the context of the newly established Tallinn Mechanism, Poland has agreed to play the role of the “Back Office,” collecting Ukraine’s cybersecurity needs and subsequently conveying specific offers of assistance and support from other allies. Poland’s participation in the Tallinn Mechanism aligns with the goals of the Cybersecurity Strategy of the Republic of Poland for the years 2019-2024, aiming to build a strong international position for Poland in the field of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity in Poland and support for Ukraine in this regard remain priorities for 2024. 

  

  

References: 

https://www.gov.pl/web/canada-en/mfa-statement-on-the-announcement-of-the-establishment-of-the-tallinn-mechanism 

https://cyberdefence24.pl/polityka-i-prawo/wsparcie-ukrainy-w-obszarze-cyfrowym-powstal-mechanizm-tallinski 

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