From May 6 to 8, 2025, Rome hosted the Cybersecurity Working Group, organized by the Italian Chairmanships of the ECGFF along with the French chair. The event, titled “Cyber Resilience in Maritime & Port Logistics”, brought together experts to discuss emerging cyber threats, regulatory challenges, and innovative security strategies for maritime operations. Key topics included AI and IoT security, port logistics cyber risks, and cybersecurity training. The workshop emphasized cross-border cooperation and public-private partnerships to strengthen digital resilience in the maritime sector.

The 3rd workshop under the Italian Chairmanship of the ECGFF took place from March 31 to April 2, 2025, at the EMSA headquarters in Lisbon.

Organized in collaboration with EMSA, the workshop titled “Maritime Traffic Monitoring and Surveillance Services for Multipurpose Activities”, brought together experts and stakeholders to explore advanced tools and strategies for enhancing maritime situational awareness and operational efficiency. The starting point was the importance of building strong relationships and frameworks for cross-sectoral and cross-border cooperation between member states and European agencies in order to strengthen maritime safety and security, protection and sustainability at sea. Topics included how to raise awareness among European stakeholders on cyber threats and cyber security measures that could be taken to address common challenges, as well as the use of the CISE (Common Information Sharing Environment - a network enabling structured and secure information sharing between EU maritime authorities, both civilian and military) in raising awareness of maritime activities and improving responses to growing threats at sea. The discussion continued with a focus on the growing importance of underwater services for multi-purpose missions within the coastguard functions, ranging from search and rescue to environmental investigations, with a focus on the impact of underwater threats in relation to cable and pipeline sabotage and cyber attacks on underwater infrastructure.

From February 24 to 26, 2025, Cagliari became a hub for discussions on “Coast Guard Evolution: AI and Unmanned Systems Enhancing SAR Operations” organized under the Italian Presidency of the ECGFF in collaboration with FRONTEX. Experts from across Europe discussed AI applications, autonomous systems, cybersecurity, and legal challenges in search and rescue (SAR) missions. The event reinforced cooperation, technological innovation, and knowledge-sharing to enhance maritime safety and operational efficiency.

On January 29 to 30, 2025, Palermo hosted the first workshop of the Italian ECGFF Presidency, organized with EFCA, on “Advanced Technologies and AI for the Sea”. With almost 100 participants, the event focused on AI and digital innovations in fisheries control and maritime security. Key discussions highlighted international cooperation, regulatory frameworks, and public-private partnerships. The workshop also included a visit aboard Italian OPV GREGORETTI, showcasing operational capabilities. This event marked the first of many initiatives under the Italian ECGFF Presidency, reinforcing its commitment to innovation and collaboration in maritime governance.

Italy, through the Italian Coast Guard, has assumed the presidency of the European Coast Guard Functions Forum (ECGFF), succeeding Portugal. This transition marks Italy’s leadership in fostering cooperation among European maritime authorities from September 2024 to September 2025.

Throughout this tenure, the ECGFF will organize a series of high-level workshops addressing key topics related to coast guard functions. These initiatives aim to strengthen collaboration among European Member States and coast guard organizations, facilitating the exchange of expertise and best practices to develop effective solutions to shared challenges in maritime security and governance.

With this presidency, Italy reaffirms its commitment to advancing international cooperation, operational coordination, and the strategic development of coast guard functions across Europe, ensuring a safer and more resilient maritime domain.