Monday, 28 April 2025 / Published in Cyber ETEE, Maritime Security

Black Sea: Strengthening Ties in Cybersecurity, Maritime & Space Security

Last week’s official visit to the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy (NVNA) in Varna, Bulgaria was a strong affirmation of our growing cooperation and mutual commitment to enhancing European resilience in key strategic domains.

Mr. Giuseppe Zuffanti, Coordinator for Cyber Issues and for the ESDC Cyber ETEE Platform, and Training Manager at the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), contributed his extensive experience and deep expertise—on behalf of the Acting Head of the ESDC—to fostering meaningful dialogue on enhancing cooperation in cybersecurity, maritime security, and the space domain with Bulgaria’s esteemed Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, widely known as the Maritime School.

The Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, under the leadership of Flotilla Admiral Prof. Kalin Kalinov, Rector of the Academy, together with their dedicated staff, stands as a centre of excellence in maritime education, security, and defence. Their commitment opens promising avenues for enhanced cooperation with ESDC in cybersecurity, maritime security, and space domain awareness. With over 2,000 students, 3,500 annual trainees, and a full spectrum of accredited programs, NVNA is a key partner in advancing Europe’s shared security and defence objectives.

The Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy is an active member of the ESDC and a committed participant in the European Initiative on the Exchange of Young Officers, inspired by Erasmus (EMILYO), contributing since 2008 to the development of a shared European security and defence culture.

ESDC and Captain (N) Prof. Miroslav Tsvetkov, Deputy Rector for Educational and Scientific Activities

Under the aegis of the ESDC, the Academy will organise the course “Cyber Range: Cybersecurity in Practice” in September 2025, further strengthening its role in fostering practical skills and cooperation in the field of cybersecurity.