News

Lithuania’s Government has officially submitted its bid to host the European Cybersecurity Industrial, Technology and Research Competence Centre (ECCC) in Vilnius. Having raised comprehensive awareness and developed a high degree of competence in addressing cyber  and hybrid threats at the national level, Lithuania is ready to apply its knowledge and skills to benefit other Member States of the European Union (EU).

Lithuania’s cybersecurity accomplishments

Lithuania’s bid to host the ECCC in Vilnius features international recognition of its cybersecurity accomplishments. Lithuania is ranked 4th globally and 2nd in the EU in the ITU Global Cybersecurity Index with its highest score in the legal, technical, organizational and cooperation domains. The booming national cybersecurity and digital ecosystem would also contribute to the enhancement of cyber/digital competences and synergies from a regional perspective. The ECCC could integrate smoothly into the existing network of EU institutions in the Nordic-Baltic region (EU-LISA, BEREC, Hybrid CoE).

Why Lithuania?

Lithuania’s bid ensures the best value for money. As the host, Vilnius will provide the most cost-effective solution. Lithuania’s national contribution to  the ECCC in Vilnius will cover rent and maintenance for the ECCC premises for a five-year period.  Thus, Lithuania has offered high-quality infrastructure for competitive terms. Lithuania’s bid has a clear edge over other member states’ proposals in cost-effectiveness, both in the short and the long-term. With lower prices for rent and real estate services than in other EU capitals and cities, Vilnius is a perfect location for the ECCC.

Regional dimension

The ECCC in Vilnius would smoothly integrate into the existing network of regional EU institutions with a specific aim to develop and advance EU research, technological and industrial cybersecurity capacities and capabilities. It would also help the Nordic-Baltic region assert itself, and become known as the most advanced and cyber-secure EU region. Additionally, it could benefit for the improvement in shared understanding of threats and challenges that is common among  Nordic-Baltic countries, and then promote a greater understanding in the EU. And, ultimately, the ECCC would be a catalyst for growth and success of the regional cybersecurity ecosystem through the increased level of synergies and cooperation of research and innovation communities across the Nordic Baltic region and beyond.

Location

Lithuania offers an exceptional location for the ECCC – the premises of Vilnius TV Tower (the 8th highest building in the EU). The premises are available immediately. Not only do they meet the highest physical and IT security standards, but can also make the ECCC the highest, most strategic and secure EU institution. Vilnius was ranked 1st in the Tech Start-up FDI Attraction Index 2019 and 2nd in the smart cities of the future ranking of Financial Times based on its attractiveness for smart businesses. The city is ready to embrace this new EU institution in the growing international IT and tech competence community.