WASHINGTON ― Romania will join the NATO’s cyber training and research center next year, according to the country’s prime minister.

Viorica Dăncilă announced Romania’s participation at the NATO Cooperative Cyber Defence Centre of Excellence in Tallinn, Estonia.

The move comes amid an increasingly dangerous security environment in the online world, both for Europe as well as the United States. Finland specified cyber as a crucial domain of national defense, while American defense contractors continue to be targeting by Chinese-based hackers.

NATO conducts yearly live-fire exercises such as Crossed Swords to prepare for attacks on critical infrastructure, including communication networks and power grids.

“Enhancing cyber defense is all about teamwork, and we welcome the decision of Romania to contribute to the strength and capability of our unique team,” said Merle Maigre, director of the CCDCOE.

Maigre also praised nations in NATO who “want to be also strong allies in our cyber defence hub.”

Romania’s arrival in 2019 will bring the total number of members at the center to 22.

Andrew is a student in the class of 2020 at the University of Notre Dame.

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