The ENISA national capabilities assessment framework is a methodological tool designed to evaluate the operational, strategic, and technical capabilities of EU member states in the field of cybersecurity. It allows national authorities to self-assess their preparedness across various cybersecurity domains, identify gaps, and set priorities for future improvement.

The framework is not a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, it is adaptable to the specific context of each country. It encourages national cybersecurity authorities to engage in a continuous improvement cycle, aligned with the evolving threat landscape and policy developments such as the NIS2 Directive and the EU Cybersecurity Strategy.

The framework is structured around several core areas that represent the building blocks of an effective national cybersecurity posture:

1. Governance and strategy
   This area focuses on the existence and quality of national cybersecurity strategies, legal and regulatory frameworks, and institutional roles and responsibilities.

2. Cyber threat intelligence and information sharing
   This component evaluates how well a country collects, processes, and shares threat intelligence both nationally and with EU-level partners.

3. Incident response capabilities
   This domain assesses the maturity of national CSIRTs (Computer Security Incident Response Teams), including their capacity to respond to and manage cyber incidents.

4. Crisis management and cooperation
   This area examines national-level procedures for handling large-scale or cross-border cyber crises, including cooperation with public and private sector stakeholders.

5. Capacity building and awareness
   This element focuses on training programs, public awareness campaigns, and the development of skilled cybersecurity professionals.

6. Critical infrastructure protection
   The framework also assesses the level of preparedness for protecting essential services and critical infrastructure from cyber threats.

The ENISA national capabilities assessment framework is essential for fostering a consistent and coordinated approach to cybersecurity across the EU. It supports mutual trust between member states, encourages knowledge sharing, and aligns national efforts with broader EU policies.

By using this framework, national authorities can perform a detailed gap analysis, prioritize areas of investment, and demonstrate progress over time. It also helps inform EU-level decision-making by providing aggregated insights into the cybersecurity maturity of member states.

The ENISA national capabilities assessment framework is a foundational tool in Europe’s cybersecurity ecosystem. It empowers EU member states to systematically assess and improve their cybersecurity readiness, strengthen cross-border collaboration, and contribute to a more secure digital Europe. As cyber threats become increasingly complex and global, structured frameworks like ENISA’s are critical to building national resilience and collective EU cybersecurity capacity.