NCC-RO begins implementing the project “Strengthening the capacities of the National Coordination Center NCC-RO”, funded by the Digital Europe Program, managed by the ECCC

The National Cybersecurity Coordination Center (NCC-RO) marks an important moment on the anniversary of its first year of activity, by signing the project “Strengthening the capacities of the National Cybersecurity Coordination Center NCC-RO”, funded by the Digital Europe Programme (DEP).

Grant Agreement No. 101227737 was signed between the Authority for the Digitalization of Romania (ADR) and the European Cybersecurity Competence Center. The project is part of the call DIGITAL-ECCC-2024-DEPLOY-NCC-06, managed by the European Cybersecurity Competence Centre (ECCC).

With a total budget of EUR 7,216,080, of which 50% is co-financed by the European Union and 50% is financed by the state budget, of which EUR 4 million is allocated as cascade financing for SMEs, the project has a duration of 48 months and benefits from 75% financing from European funds and 25% co-financing from beneficiaries.

The main objective is to strengthen the operational capacities of NCC-RO to support the development of cybersecurity at national, regional and local levels. In this regard, the project foresees the launch of at least two open calls for SMEs in Romania, which will be able to access grants between EUR 60,000 and 100,000 per project.

The results sought include:

• Supporting SMEs in aligning with the requirements of the NIS2 Directive and the Cyber ​​Resilience Act (CRA)

• Promoting secure digital products and services

• Reducing regulatory barriers for SMEs

• Increasing the participation of Romanian entities in the Digital Single Market

• Contributing to the EU objectives in terms of cybersecurity, competitiveness and digital resilience

NCC-RO’s activity is recognized at European level, being mentioned in the European Commission’s Annual Report on the ECCC network and national coordination centres, a confirmation of Romania’s significant contribution to strengthening cybersecurity at European Union level.

“The project is a strategic approach to strengthen the cyber resilience of SMEs in Romania. We are strengthening NCC-RO’s capacities not only to respond to current challenges, but also to create a solid cybersecurity ecosystem, in which Romanian SMEs can grow, innovate and be competitive on the European market,” said Ana Maria Bușoniu, General Manager of NCC-RO.

Co-financed by the European Union under grant agreement no. 101227737. The opinions and views expressed are solely those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the funding authority can be held responsible for them.