Cody Barrow, CEO, EclecticIQ, talks about tech inflexion points in Europe’s business ecosystem – and where the changes are likely to lead.
The world order is shifting. Geopolitical tensions and increasingly advanced cyberthreats have made cybersecurity a cornerstone of Europe’s defence strategy.
With the European Commission’s ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 initiative and sentiments across the continent embracing the strategic importance of cyberdefence, there’s unprecedented opportunity for unified action.
In the same way Airbus increased collaboration between aerospace firms in the 1980s we must now move forward with a ‘Cybus’ like mindset that encourages collaboration between European cybersecurity firms, not just because it’s good for business, but because it’s essential for Europe’s digital sovereignty.
A critical juncture in Europe’s security landscape
Cybersecurity is no longer merely a technical concern, it is a fundamental component of national security and economic resilience. State-sponsored cyberattacks, ransomware threats targeting critical infrastructure and corporate espionage have escalated in scale and become sophisticated.
Addressing these threats requires a unified response, leveraging both public and private sector capabilities. The ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 initiative, with its proposed €150 billion defence investment, including €3.5 billion dedicated specifically to cybersecurity, as outlined in President von der Leyen’s 3 March statement, presents an unprecedented opportunity to fortify Europe’s digital defences.
However, funding alone will not suffice. Success hinges on strategic collaboration and the establishment of a robust, independent European cybersecurity ecosystem.
The strategic value of a European ecosystem
Europe is uniquely positioned to lead in cybersecurity. The continent is home to world-class technical universities, pioneering research centres and regulatory frameworks such as GDPR that have set global benchmarks for data protection. This foundation provides European cybersecurity firms with a distinct advantage, ensuring that their solutions meet the highest security and compliance standards.
Momentum is already building up. In 2024 European cybersecurity startups raised €2.8 billion in 2024, a 23% increase from the previous year. These strengths allow leading security providers to create solutions that meet strict security and compliance standards, qualities that appeal to customers globally and expand its influence beyond European borders.
Rather than serving as a limitation, a strong European cybersecurity base should be viewed as a launchpad for global impact. A co-ordinated European effort will not only bolster digital resilience but also reinforce Europe’s position as a leader in cybersecurity innovation.
From Airbus to ‘Cybus’: A call for strategic collaboration
The success of Airbus in the 1980s offers an interesting parallel. European aerospace firms collaborated to build something greater and successfully challenged global leaders. Could European cybersecurity companies achieve the same?
A ‘Cybus’ framework would focus on three key areas:
- Threat intelligence consortium: Participating firms contribute anonymised threat data to a shared platform, creating a comprehensive European threat landscape that benefits all participants.
- Joint research initiatives: Companies would pool resources for fundamental research on emerging threats like quantum-resistant encryption and AI-powered attacks, sharing the costs and benefits.
- Standardised security protocols: Developing common security standards specifically designed for European regulatory requirements would reduce compliance costs and close vulnerabilities across the board.
Such collaboration would drive efficiency and reduce R&D costs and strengthen Europe’s cybersecurity position globally. In key international markets such as the US and Asia, a united European cybersecurity front could enhance the region’s capacity to deliver standout products that solve real security problems.
We have already seen the benefits of collaboration. The Performance of European Partnerships under Horizon Europe has been widely successful and sees continued investment; European Union funding has reached €24.9 billion and its partners have contributed an additional €40 billion, significantly increasing investment in the priorities of the EU.
With that said, competition remains essential. Organisations would still differentiate through service and client relationships but collaborate on shared challenges. A consortium wouldn’t just refine our capabilities, it would fundamentally transform Europe’s security posture while allowing each firm to focus on what they do best: helping customers protect their most critical assets.
ReArm Europe/Readiness 2030 could be crucial for the continent, but Europe’s cybersecurity business leaders must proactively shape the future, not wait for external prompts. The business sector must evolve to meet these challenges. Innovation and growth are strategic imperatives, not optional gestures.
Securing Europe’s future through action
Europe cannot afford to be reactive in addressing cybersecurity challenges. The private sector must take an active role in shaping the future rather than waiting for government directives. The ‘Cybus Initiative’ represents more than business strategy; it’s about ensuring Europe’s digital sovereignty in an increasingly contested digital battlefield.
It is worth considering whether fragmentation undermines our resilience. The proposed 28th regime, a legal framework to unify rules across the EU, could simplify compliance, strengthen innovation and standardise regulatory practices. Still, achieving this requires navigating differences in national regulations and priorities.
We need to lead the charge through proactive industry direction, including proposals, panels, or direct calls, starting today – global security depends on it. Proactive steps must be taken rather than waiting for government directives.
