The European Union increasingly views Ukraine not merely as a recipient of aid but as a strategic technological partnerwhose experience strengthens Europe’s collective cybersecurity, defense capabilities, and digital resilience. This perspective was highlighted by European Commission Vice-President for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen in an interview with UNIAN published on October 14, 2025.
Ukrainian experience enhances Europe’s cyber defense
According to Virkkunen, Ukraine’s extensive experience in countering large-scale cyberattacks during wartime has become a vital asset for Europe’s own digital security. Ukrainian cybersecurity expertise is now being integrated into EU frameworks, helping build a more unified system of protection for critical sectors such as energy, banking, and healthcare—targets of ongoing Russian cyber aggression.
Joint initiatives have already emerged to strengthen resilience. By including Ukraine in the EU Cybersecurity Reserve, Europe aims to accelerate coordinated responses to future cyber incidents and share real-time data on evolving digital threats.
BraveTech EU and joint defense innovation
Beyond cybersecurity, Ukraine is contributing cutting-edge technologies tested on the battlefield—ranging from drone countermeasures and robotics to advanced electronic warfare systems. Collaborative initiatives such as BraveTech EUenable the integration of Ukrainian innovations into the EU’s defense technology programs.
This partnership gives the EU access to Ukraine’s rapid innovation cycle, stimulating growth across Europe’s broader defense and technology ecosystem. The synergy benefits both sides: the EU gains new production capabilities, while Ukraine secures access to European markets for its defense technologies.
Reducing dependence on external powers
The EU-Ukraine technological alliance also aims to reduce Europe’s reliance on external powers like the United States and China in key sectors such as cloud systems and digital infrastructure. The creation of a shared digital ecosystembetween Ukraine and the EU enhances European autonomy and boosts long-term resilience against hybrid threats.
Building European digital standards on Ukrainian expertise
Ukrainian solutions and know-how are influencing the development of pan-European standards in areas such as cybersecurity, artificial intelligence regulation, and digital identification. By incorporating Ukraine’s battle-tested digital frameworks, the EU is strengthening the robustness of its own systems and services.
A strategic partnership for Europe’s security and growth
Virkkunen emphasized that cooperation with Ukraine in technology, defense, and cybersecurity is not an act of charity but an investment in Europe’s security and future stability. The alliance creates tangible humanitarian and financial benefits while reinforcing Europe’s technological sovereignty and regional security architecture.
Ukraine, in turn, becomes an integral part of the EU’s long-term strategy for defense innovation and digital transformation—an evolution that turns partnership into shared resilience.
