Balance of the 'EU International Conference in the Legal Field of Cyber Defense'.

• The conclusions reached after the event will help to promote legal development in such a complex and innovative area.

Assessment of the first 'International Conference of the European Union in the Legal Sphere of Cyber Defence' in relation to military operations. A meeting in which the Cyber Commanders of the different Armed Forces of the European Union participated, led by the ESP Joint Cyberspace Command. This conference is part of the programme of activities planned for the Spanish Presidency of the European Union.

• The following conclusions are highlighted by the JCCM following the different positions expressed during this international meeting:
• The promotion of common positions, as well as coordinated countermeasures, should be considered the most powerful tool in establishing a useful framework for deterring malicious actors and being prepared to respond effectively to such threats.
• The use of a common language, as well as concrete terminology around malicious activities, is necessary to fulfil the above point.
• Credibility is an important key to legitimising common positions and thus agreement among all members must be a constant obligation.
• Awareness raising and good practices are at the core of any further action. The most elementary level, even the individual, can prevent any situation from escalating.
• Defining the role and competences of states is very important, given the indispensable role they play in this area.
• National interests must be taken into account. At every step forward, the different nations participating in an agreement will have to express their compliance both with regard to the EU and their own interests.
• Private enterprise must be responsible for ensuring the security of its own critical infrastructure, as well as being proactive and capable of protecting the assets that depend on its direct activity.
• There are no legal obstacles to developing collective countermeasures as a way of dealing with malicious activities in cyberspace.
• Information sharing is key to protecting, deterring and preventing cyber attacks, and it is necessary to encourage the sharing of threat intelligence among allies and trusted communities.

These conclusions set out a series of milestones to be achieved. Each nation has its own objectives and its own perspective and idiosyncrasies, and it is necessary to recognise this reality and to highlight it to ensure the successful development of any legal initiative to address the problems associated with cyber activity.

In this aspect, during this International Conference, the objectives have been successfully achieved and have placed Spain at the centre of the legal and juridical aspect at European level.