Óscar López is committed to cooperation with the private sector to consolidate Spain's leadership in cybersecurity

Óscar López held a meeting with the main Spanish companies linked to cybersecurity to promote cooperation with the sector in this area. "Our goal is clear: to not only protect our digital territory, but to also consolidate our position as a strategic player at the forefront of European and global cyber security. To this end, public-private partnerships will be essential".

This meeting, which follows on from the one held by the President of the Government, Pedro Sanchez, with the sector on 31 March, comes after the recent approval of the Industrial and Technological Plan for Security and Defence. It should be recalled that this strategy has an investment of almost €10.5 billion, 31% of which is earmarked for the manufacture and acquisition of new telecommunications and cybersecurity capabilities.

Within the framework of this initiative, Óscar López recalled the new package of cybersecurity measures approved on Tuesday, 6 May by the Executive, and which updates the Government of Spain's 2022 Cybersecurity Plan. "An investment of more than €1.1 billion to expand essential capabilities, accelerate strategic projects and strengthen cooperation with the private sector," he added.

Furthermore, the minister highlighted Spain's good position in this area, which is above the EU average and the second country in the world with the most specialised centres, stressing the need to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the current scenario. "The objective is twofold: to strengthen our security and defence capabilities and, at the same time, to boost national industry, the generation of talent and the development of dual-use technologies, applicable to both the civilian and military spheres".

Óscar López also acknowledged the strength of the Spanish sector, confirming that most of the investment earmarked for cybersecurity will go to Spanish companies, and concluding that "we need an innovative and committed national industry that works hand in hand with the institutions to make Spain a safer and more resilient country".

At the meeting held at the ministry's headquarters, the minister was accompanied by the Secretary of State for Telecommunications and Digital Infrastructures, Antonio Hermando. The meeting was attended by representatives of CounterCraft, Evolutio, Indra, Innovasur, Ngoveunsys, Red Points, S2Grupo, SIRT, TRC and Sofistic.

Non official translation