In an increasingly digitalised and geopolitically volatile world, cybersecurity has become a critical concern for governments, institutions and private sector actors. The integration of artificial intelligence into cybersecurity systems is profoundly transforming how threats are detected, mitigated and prevented.

AI enables real-time analysis of vast datasets, anomaly detection and rapid incident response – capabilities that are essential in the face of increasingly sophisticated and state-sponsored cyber threats.

Strategic importance

AI enhances threat detection by identifying patterns and anomalies that traditional systems may miss. Unlike static rules-based systems, AI adapts to evolving threats through continuous learning. According to a 2024 report by ENISA, the European Union’s agency for cybersecurity, AI-driven platforms significantly reduce detection latency and improve response coordination. The 2023–25 cybersecurity work programme, under the Digital Europe Programme of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CONNECT), emphasises AI’s role in strengthening cyber resilience across sectors.

AI-powered simulation platforms are revolutionising cybersecurity training. Current tools use machine learning to create dynamic, scenario-based environments that mimic real-world attacks. These platforms improve knowledge retention and operational readiness by over 40%, according to a 2023 SANS Institute study. DG CONNECT has also launched calls for proposals to support AI-driven digital skills academies.

Moreover, in a world where cyberattacks are increasingly used as instruments of geopolitical coercion, training individuals to understand the broader threat landscape, including disinformation, hybrid warfare and AI-enabled espionage, is essential. The European External Action Service stresses the need for a digitally literate and geopolitically aware workforce to counteract these threats.

Regulatory and governance implications in the EU

The AI Act, enforced in 2024, introduces a risk-based framework for AI applications, including those in cybersecurity. The European Parliament has emphasised the need for human oversight, robustness and trustworthiness in AI systems used for cybersecurity. Additionally, the Cyber Resilience Act, adopted in March 2024, sets horizontal cybersecurity requirements for digital products, reinforcing the EU’s regulatory framework.

With increasing regulatory scrutiny, AI helps organisations maintain compliance by automating auditing, monitoring and reporting processes. AI systems can log access to sensitive data, detect policy violations and generate real-time audit trails. This fosters accountability and builds trust with regulators and stakeholders.

Crucially, AI in cybersecurity is also a pillar of European digital sovereignty. The EU aims to reduce dependency on foreign technologies and ensure that critical digital infrastructure, including cybersecurity tools, is developed and governed within the Union. This strategic autonomy is vital not only for economic competitiveness but also for safeguarding democratic values and national security in the face of global power conflicts.

Key challenges

Despite its benefits, AI in cybersecurity faces several challenges. Machine learning models can misclassify behaviours due to limited contextual understanding. The dual-use nature of AI, where the same tools can be used by adversaries, complicates governance. Ethical concerns, legal ambiguities and resistance to change, especially in legacy-dependent sectors, further delay adoption.

From a geopolitical perspective, AI technologies are increasingly seen as strategic assets. Nato’s revised 2024 AI Strategy highlights the risks of adversarial AI use, including the weaponisation of generative AI for disinformation, cyber sabotage and autonomous attacks. The EU and Nato both stress the importance of protecting AI innovation ecosystems from foreign interference and ensuring technological sovereignty.

ENISA has launched multiple initiatives to integrate AI into early threat detection and infrastructure resilience. DG CONNECT’s Digital Europe Programme funds AI and cybersecurity projects, including cross-border co-operation and standardisation efforts. Industry leaders continue to innovate with self-learning AI models inspired by the human immune system.

Geopolitical resilience and European sovereignty

As AI becomes a cornerstone of cybersecurity, its strategic implications extend far beyond the technical domain. The ability to develop, deploy and govern AI systems within Europe is now recognised as a matter of geopolitical resilience and digital sovereignty.

The global digital landscape is increasingly shaped by geopolitical tensions, technological dependencies and the weaponisation of cyberspace. In this context, European digital sovereignty refers to the EU’s capacity to make autonomous decisions about its digital infrastructure, data governance and AI technologies without undue reliance on foreign powers. This is particularly critical in cybersecurity, where foreign-controlled technologies may introduce vulnerabilities or backdoors that compromise national security.

The European Commission, through initiatives like the Digital Decade Policy Programme 2030, has emphasised the need to reduce strategic dependencies on non-EU technologies. This includes fostering a robust European AI ecosystem, supporting open-source cybersecurity tools and investing in sovereign cloud and data infrastructure.

AI as a strategic asset

AI is increasingly viewed as a dual-use technology – capable of both defending and attacking digital systems. As such, it is a strategic asset in global power dynamics. The EU’s approach to AI in cybersecurity must therefore balance innovation with control, ensuring that critical capabilities remain under European jurisdiction. This includes ensuring the components of the EU’s AI systems are secure and morally sourced. It also means shielding European-developed AI models and algorithms from cyber espionage and unauthorised replication, and offering a counter-model to authoritarian uses of AI through European AI governance frameworks.

There are several key trends shaping the future of AI in cybersecurity. First, AI-powered education and platforms are enhancing workforce preparedness through immersive simulations. Second, the AI Act mandates transparency, explainability and human oversight in high-risk AI applications, ensuring ethical governance. Third, deep-learning models are enabling predictive defence strategies, shifting the paradigm from reactive to anticipatory security. And fourth, the EU and Nato are aligning AI strategies to counteract adversarial use, protect critical infrastructure and maintain strategic autonomy.

AI is a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity strategy. Its applications span threat detection, operational efficiency, governance and training. However, to fully realise its potential, challenges such as regulatory clarity, ethical implementation and organisational readiness must be addressed.

Equally important is the geopolitical and sovereign dimension. As cyber threats increasingly serve as instruments of statecraft, the EU and its allies must ensure that AI is developed and deployed responsibly, securely and in alignment with democratic values. Empowering individuals with the skills to understand and navigate this complex environment, and ensuring that Europe retains control over its digital future, will be essential for a secure, sovereign and resilient digital society.

Stefano Bodrato is Global Technology Advisory Leader for EU Institutions at EY.

This article featured in the February 2026 edition of the OMFIF Bulletin.


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