Successful ESDC Pilot Course Equips EU Experts to Counter AI-Driven Cyber Threats

We are proud to announce the successful conclusion of the pilot edition of the course “Practical Strategies for Mitigating AI-Driven Cyber Attacks”, hosted by the Constanta Maritime University through its Maritime Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, under the aegis of the European Security and Defence College (ESDC).

Over three intensive days (23–25 April 2025), more than 40 mid – to senior-level civilian and military professionals from across the EU came together in Constanta, Romania to explore one of the most pressing challenges of our time: the rise of AI-enhanced cyber threats.

Participants engaged in a hands-on, forward-looking programme tackling real-world challenges including:

• AI-driven phishing and social engineering
• Deep fakes and GPS spoofing in critical infrastructures
• AI-enabled malware and anomaly detection
• Defensive AI strategies, threat hunting, and cyber resilience
• The EU’s AI Act and global AI cooperation

This ESDC pilot course aligns with the EU’s Cybersecurity Strategy for the Digital Decade, helping shape a future-ready, resilient European cyber ecosystem that embraces innovation while preparing for AI-driven risks.

A sincere thank you to all speakers, participants, and organisers — especially to: Prof. Gabriel Raicu, Rector of Constanta Maritime University and Eng. Giuseppe Zuffanti, National Expert and Cyber ETEE Configuration Coordinator at the ESDC.

We are just getting started. The insights, collaboration, and momentum gained here will continue to fuel Europe’s efforts at the intersection of AI, security, defence, and strategic foresight.