International cooperation: Following up on EU Czech Presidency successes In 2023, NÚKIB built on the successes of the Czech Presidency of the Council of the EU (CZ PRES) by advancing the EU Council conclusions on ICT supply chain security, culminating in the creation of the ICT Supply Chain Toolbox. This toolbox is designed to include a set of general measures aimed at reducing critical risks to ICT supply chains. At the EU Council, NÚKIB was involved in discussions for a proposed regulation, subsequently adopted at the end of 2023, aimed at establishing measures for a common high level of cybersecurity across EU institutions, bodies, offices and agencies. The Council also adopted a general approach towards the draft Cyber Resilience Act and opened negotiations for the new Cyber Solidarity Act and an amendment to the Cybersecurity Act. By the end of 2023, the Council had adopted its mandate for further negotiations on the latter two. EU-CyCLONe With the NIS 2 Directive coming into effect, in which NÚKIB has an active role, a network of liaison officers and relevant cyber crisis management offices (EU-CyCLONe) was established. ENISA Support Action NÚKIB also acts as a contact point for the EU Cybersecurity Agency ENISA and facilitated the ENISA Support Action pilot project in 2023 to improve the cybersecurity of regulated entities in the Czech Republic. Counter Ransomware Initiative NÚKIB participated in the Counter Ransomware Initiative, which adopted a joint statement in autumn 2023, endorsed by over 40 nations, including the Czech Republic, opposing ransomware payments. NÚKIB also played a significant role in preparing the national position on the application of public international law in cyberspace, a task led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with ongoing cooperation to promote foreign policy in the EU and the UN. Prague Cyber Security Conference Preparations for the 2024 Prague Cybersecurity Conference (PCSC) began in 2023, with the Prague Cybersecurity Meeting in June featuring international participation. Scheduled for the first quarter of 2024, the PCSC builds on previous editions and is expected to attract a broad global audience. Through its cyber-attachés, NÚKIB represents the Czech Republic’s cybersecurity interests within the EU and the NATO Cyber Defence Committee. NÚKIB also contributes to the work of the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence. As part of developing bilateral relations, NÚKIB took part in several high-level meetings, with foreign activities in the Indo-Pacific region now managed by a cyber-attaché based in Canberra, Australia. Bilateral relations with key partners in the EU, the US and Israel continued to develop. Cooperation with Ukraine also progressed significantly, with NÚKIB increasing its participation in development projects, such as CYBERVAC, organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Government CERT staff also visited Bosnia and Herzegovina to conduct several computer security training sessions. 45