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The International Association of CIP Professionals (IACIPP) has announced that the 3rd CIP Week in Europe will take place in Brussels from 20–22 October 2026, bringing together critical infrastructure operators, government representatives, security professionals, resilience practitioners, emergency planners and industry experts from across Europe.

 

Designed as a focal point for collaboration, learning and professional development, CIP Week Europe will provide delegates with opportunities to explore the latest developments in critical infrastructure protection, resilience, risk management and security, while building stronger connections across sectors and national borders.

 

With organisations across Europe facing new resilience, security and compliance obligations under the CER and NIS2 Directives, the 3rd CIP Week in Europe will bring together experts from government, industry and academia to explore how critical infrastructure operators can strengthen resilience in an increasingly complex risk environment.

 

At the centre of the programme will be the Critical Infrastructure Protection & Resilience Europe (CIPRE) Conference, which will feature expert speakers, case studies and panel discussions addressing the complex and evolving challenges facing Europe's critical infrastructure. Topics will include physical and cyber security, resilience strategy, emerging threats, public-private cooperation, business continuity and the protection of essential services.

 

"The implementation of the CER and NIS2 Directives marks one of the most significant developments in European critical infrastructure protection in a generation," said John Donlon, Chairman of the International Association of CIP Professionals. "Organisations are being challenged to think differently about resilience, security, governance and collaboration. CIP Week Europe provides an opportunity for practitioners and decision-makers to come together, share experiences and learn from one another as they navigate this changing landscape."

 

In addition to the main conference, delegates will have access to a series of specialist workshops delivered by partner organisations, providing practical insights and focused discussion on key areas of resilience and infrastructure protection.

 

Among the first confirmed partners is the Confederation of European Security Services (CoESS), which will host a workshop examining the growing role of private security in safeguarding critical infrastructure. The session will explore how security providers are supporting resilience and preparedness objectives across Europe, strengthening public-private partnerships and helping organisations anticipate, prevent, respond to and recover from an increasingly complex threat environment. Particular attention will be given to the contribution of private security to the EU’s Preparedness Union agenda, including the protection of critical entities, continuity of essential services and crisis readiness across sectors.

 

Catherine Piana, Director General of CoESS, said, “The Confederation of European Security Services is delighted to play a bigger role in this year’s CIP Week. As Europe faces an increasingly complex and evolving risk landscape, the private sector has a key part to play in supporting operators and governments in implementing the CER Directive, while also contributing to the objectives of the EU’s Preparedness Union. With more than two million security professionals operating across Europe, our industry represents a significant preparedness and response capability that can support CI operators before, during and after crises. However, unlocking this full potential requires greater recognition of private security as a strategic partner, stronger public-private cooperation, information sharing and a more coherent framework for integrating private security into national and European preparedness planning. Our workshop will demonstrate how the private security sector can make a tangible impact on security, preparedness and resilience planning.”

 

“CIP Week Europe was created to bring together the diverse community of professionals responsible for protecting and strengthening critical infrastructure,” continued John Donlon of IACIPP. “As the risks facing critical infrastructure continue to evolve, collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional development have never been more important. We are delighted to welcome delegates and partners to Brussels for what promises to be our most comprehensive programme yet.”