On 22 July 2026, the European Union and its Member States delivered a statement at the first substantive session of the UN Global Mechanism on ICTs in international security, reaffirming that international law, including the UN Charter, international human rights law, and international humanitarian law, applies fully in cyberspace. The statement, delivered on behalf of the EU and its Member States, also aligned candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, and EFTA country Norway, as well as San Marino.
The EU underscored that respect for international law should be at the core of international efforts to ensure security and stability in cyberspace, and called for continued work to enhance common understanding on how international law applies. The statement noted that over 100 states have now individually or collectively published their positions on international law, building on the EU's 2024 common understanding and the African Union's Common Position. The EU stressed that recognising the application of international humanitarian law in cyberspace does not legitimise cyber warfare or militarise the domain.
The statement highlighted that the Global Mechanism and its dedicated thematic groups (DTGs) offer a new opportunity to articulate progress and reflect on practical application in real-world scenarios. The EU also welcomed continued efforts by cross-regional groups on international law and expressed commitment to further develop and share its understanding at national, regional, and international levels. The EU reiterated its support for third countries through training and capacity building on the UN framework of responsible state behaviour in cyberspace.