European Conference on Public Space Security and Protection
12 June 2026
Thursday
10:00 – 14:30
Local Time (EET)
Journalists' House
12 CyBC (RIK) Avenue, Aglantzia, Nicosia 2120
Addressing New Security Realities
As Europe faces the growing and complex landscape of technologically advanced security threats, Cyprus will host the EU Conference on Public Space Security and Protection 2026, under the EU Internal Security Fund. Taking place during the Cypriot Presidency of the Council of the European Union, this landmark conference will bring together security experts, law enforcement authorities, policymakers, and researchers to strengthen cooperation to protect open public environments, such as universities, places of worship, and cultural venues.
Public spaces are at the heart of democratic life, but they are increasingly exposed to technologically advanced and multifaceted threats. The Conference addresses this new reality and will bring together more than 60 European partners, contributing field experience and practical solutions alongside national authorities and key stakeholders.
“Our goal is not just to discuss risks, but to reshape how Europe prepares for them. Public spaces represent our openness and democracy.”
— Eliza Patouris, Co-founder and Managing Director of RESETWhat Will Be Discussed
Leading European Research Initiatives
The Conference is organized by experts involved in two major European research initiatives
These initiatives lead cross-European efforts to develop integrated frameworks for the prevention, protection, and response to threats in open public environments.
The Conference is held under the auspices of the Mayor of Nicosia, Mr. Charalambos Prountzos, and the Commissioner for the Citizen, Mr. Panayiotis Palates.
Speakers
Zenonas Tziarras
The opening keynote will be delivered by Zenonas Tziarras, who will address regional instability and resilience in a shifting geopolitical landscape.
Maksymilian Stela
Specialist in the detection and identification of Chemical Warfare Agents and CBRN response procedures
Lara Raggi
Specialist in radicalisation and lone-actor terrorism
Alkis Kakoulis
Head of Unit, Operations Department, Cyprus Police
Pedro Liberado
Expert in violent extremism and organised crime
Eliza Patouris
PhD, Co-Founder and Managing Director at RESET
Edoardo Mattiello
Security Expert, QSINT — Security Tabletop Exercise Facilitator
Alessandro Marani
Security Expert, QSINT — Security Tabletop Exercise Facilitator
Professionally Facilitated Tabletop Exercise
The importance of the EU Conference on Public Space Security and Protection relies on the valuable opportunity to gather knowledge and expertise and to provide a place to discuss:
- How hybrid and CBRNE threats are transforming the security of open public spaces
- New cooperation models for emergency response and cross-sector coordination
- The gap between policy frameworks and operational implementation
- The need for stronger, multi-layered protection systems across Europe
Alongside the strategic dialogue among European experts in the field, it is equally important to address the practical aspect when it comes to security related issues.
A key feature of the conference is a professionally facilitated Tabletop Exercise designed to strengthen preparedness and response capabilities against emerging threats targeting public spaces, with particular focus on places of worship and higher education institutions.
The exercise will simulate the disruption of a public event hosted by a faith-based university using modified drones, highlighting the evolving nature of hybrid and asymmetric threats facing both civilian and military security planners.
Special attention will be given to the early detection of suspicious behaviour through the analysis of operational and motivational indicators of potential attackers.
Exercise Focus Areas
Preparedness and response capabilities against emerging threats
Disruption simulation using modified drones at a public event
Hybrid and asymmetric threat assessment for civilian/military planners
Early detection of suspicious behaviour through the analysis of operational and motivational indicators of potential attackers
Event Details
Registration is compulsory. Attendance is subject to confirmation.