A notice of meeting and provisional agenda published by the Council of the European Union schedules a meeting of the Horizontal Working Party on Cyber Issues for 2 July 2026. The meeting will focus on cyber diplomacy priorities under the Irish Presidency, the cyber diplomacy toolbox, preparations for the UN Global Mechanism plenary, norms implementation, and the Counter Ransomware Initiative.
The agenda includes a presentation by the Irish Presidency on its priorities for cyber diplomacy, followed by a discussion on the cyber diplomacy toolbox, which is classified as RESTREINT EU/EU RESTRICTED. The European External Action Service (EEAS) will present on preparations for the UN Global Mechanism plenary session and on norms implementation, with member states expected to exchange views. The European Commission will provide information on the Counter Ransomware Initiative Global Standards Framework. The meeting will conclude with any other business (AOB).
The working party, composed of cyber diplomats from member states, coordinates EU cyber policy and prepares Council decisions. This meeting is part of the regular work cycle under the Irish Presidency, which runs from January to June 2026. The discussions aim to align member state positions ahead of international cyber governance forums, particularly the UN Global Mechanism, where the EU seeks to promote responsible state behaviour in cyberspace. The Counter Ransomware Initiative item reflects ongoing EU efforts to develop global standards to combat ransomware attacks, a priority for the Commission.
The meeting's outcomes may inform future Council conclusions or decisions on cyber diplomacy, though no immediate legislative action is expected. The agenda indicates a focus on policy coordination rather than binding measures, with implications for EU external cyber posture and global cyber governance leadership.