Latvian government agencies and transport sector entities participated in the European Union’s “Cyber Europe 2026” exercises from June 10 to June 11. Organized by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), the simulation focused on testing crisis management and incident response capabilities within the transport industry to ensure service continuity against cyber threats.
Did You Know? The exercise involved a wide range of national stakeholders, including the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Transport, CERT.LV, the Data State Inspectorate, and major infrastructure operators such as “Latvijas dzelzceļš,” “Pasažieru vilciens,” and the Port of Riga.
Objectives of the Cyber Europe 2026 Simulation
The primary goal of the exercise was to assess and improve the ability of Latvian institutions to identify, analyze, and manage cyber incidents. According to ENISA, the simulation specifically targeted the systemic resilience of the transport sector by testing coordination between policymakers, infrastructure managers, and operational services.
Participants practiced decision-making processes and information sharing during simulated crisis scenarios. These drills were designed to ensure that if a real-world cyber threat emerges, the flow of information and response coordination remains effective across both national and international levels.
Expert Insight: Strengthening National Resilience
Expert Insight: Exercises of this nature are critical for identifying institutional bottlenecks before an actual emergency occurs. By simulating complex, cross-sectoral threats, organizations like CERT.LV and the Ministry of Transport can move beyond theoretical planning and test the practical interoperability of their response protocols. The integration of private sector partners like “Tet” and “Stena Line” highlights the necessity of public-private cooperation in securing modern, interconnected transport infrastructure.
Future Steps for Institutional Readiness
Following the conclusion of the exercises, participating bodies will evaluate the performance data gathered during the simulation. Baiba Kaškina, head of CERT.LV, stated that the event provided a necessary opportunity to test incident management procedures, which will now be used to identify areas for improvement and strengthen the overall security of the transport industry.
The results are expected to inform future updates to security protocols and collaborative mechanisms. This process may lead to more refined, standardized responses to future cyber threats, ensuring that the country’s transport systems remain stable and capable of maintaining service continuity under pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who participated in the Cyber Europe 2026 exercises in Latvia?
Participants included the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Transport, the Crisis Management Center, CERT.LV, the Data State Inspectorate, SIA “Tet,” VAS “Latvijas dzelzceļš,” AS “Pasažieru vilciens,” the Latvian Maritime Administration, the Port of Riga, the Port of Ventspils, and SIA “Stena Line.”
What was the main purpose of the simulation?
The exercises aimed to test and improve the ability to identify, analyze, and manage cyber incidents, while strengthening cooperation between national and international institutions and focusing on the systemic resilience of the transport sector.
How will the results of these exercises be used?
The findings will be used to refine existing procedures, improve collaboration mechanisms, and strengthen institutional readiness to ensure the stable and secure operation of the transport system.
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