states to embrace the vision of a free, open and secure internet; it provides capabilities for implementing this vision. Capacity building serves to further both short- and long-term objectives that are important to the Netherlands. The aim is to raise the level of knowledge and expertise in non-EU countries to the highest possible level in order to strengthen the currently weak links in the worldwide infrastructure of the internet. In the short term, capacity building helps boost partner countries’ digital resilience and supports their ability to profit from the economic advantages of the digital economy. In the long term, Dutch investment in capacity building will help cement strategic alliances aimed at supporting a free, open and secure internet and associated Dutch policy objectives. 3.4 Prospects for the further development of policy To optimally respond to the opportunities and challenges that technological developments offer us, it is necessary to adopt an integrated approach to cyberspace. To this end the government will enhance existing international cooperation and diplomacy. For example, it will activate a network of cyber diplomats, who will be responsible for promoting Dutch cyber policy, starting at a number of key embassies. This network will fall under the existing budget for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The cyber diplomats will work from embassies and other representations to promote an open, free and security digital domain. Among other duties, they will act as liaisons for other governments and international organisations, provide information about trends and developments and offer substantive support for strategic priorities. To this end they will work with attachés from a number of ministries (security & justice, economic affairs, and defence), the business community, academics and NGOs. In the months and years ahead the government will look into options for further activating the cyber diplomat network. The government will also consider how to strengthen long-term cooperation within the EU, a key issue during the Netherlands’ Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2016. Some of the most important avenues in this regard are the Global Strategy for the European Union’s Foreign and Security Policy, the EU’s Cyber Security Strategy: An Open, Safe and Secure Cyberspace, the Directive on security of network and information systems (NIS) and the European Commission’s Communication on Strengthening Europe’s Cyber Resilience System and Fostering a Competitive and Innovative Cybersecurity Industry. Key priorities are to boost the resilience of the EU and its member states with regard to critical infrastructure and building a stronger framework for the management of cyber crises. Another obvious next step is to further integrate cyber policy into the Common Foreign and Security Policy and explore options for consolidating our partnerships with the US, Canada, NATO and the OSCE. Within the EU as elsewhere, preference should be given to public-private partnership and the multi-stakeholder approach, wherever applicable. The EEAS, the EU missions in third states and the relevant departments of the European Commission can contribute to an effective international EU cyber policy. 4. Policy priorities of an international cyber strategy The vision for the international cyber strategy has been fleshed out into the following policy priorities: - Economic growth and sustainable development of the internet - Effective internet governance - Further enhancement of cybersecurity - Effective efforts to stop cybercrime - International peace, security and stability AVT17/BZ122203 8