CPT 2026: Cyber security conference sets the tone for Europe's digital sovereignty
The Munich-based software company FTAPI hosted CPT 2026 at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Almost 500 top decision-makers, CISOs and managing directors discussed Europe's digital future. The focus was on NIS 2 regulations, BSI standards and the impact of AI agents on cyber defense.
Digital sovereignty is not only being discussed in Switzerland, but also at European level. CPT 2026 (Connect. Protect. Transform.) came to a successful conclusion on March 6, 2026 under the leadership of Munich-based software company FTAPI. Almost 500 top decision-makers, CISOs and managing directors from various industries took advantage of the exclusive atmosphere at the Allianz Arena Munich to set the course for Europe's digital future. The conference impressively underlined the fact that cyber security has become vital for the survival of companies and governments alike.
CPT 2026 focused on the question of how Europe can preserve its digital sovereignty and democratic values in an increasingly interconnected world dominated by global tech giants. Against this backdrop, the specific topics of the two days were discussed: the implementation of the NIS-2 regulations, the further development of the BSI standards (C5:2025) and the impact of AI agents on cyber defense.
Wake-up call from the BSI President
The conference kicked off with a keynote speech by Claudia Plattner, President of the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI). Under the title «Wake-up call - are we still asleep or are we assessing the situation correctly?», she provided an unembellished analysis of the current threat situation and called for operators, manufacturers and the state to proactively assume responsibility in the digital space.
BSI President Claudia Plattner: «Germany and Europe are under constant pressure from cyber crime, cyber conflict and cyber dominance. Digitalization is the linchpin of a massively changing world with impacts and interactions on the rules of coexistence, politics, power and state interests. It is clear that the protection of our society depends on our digital capabilities - and on how well we can defend the digital space. The path to a digitally resilient and sovereign European Union leads through a European cyber union that will be technologically and thus economically successful because it uses its potential realistically and pragmatically in close cooperation between states, business, science and society.»
Discourse on values: Europe's digital identity
A central focus of the conference was on the social relevance of digitalization. In the panel «Europe's digital sovereignty - Is Europe losing its values?», the Bavarian State Minister for Digital Affairs, Dr. Fabian Mehring, together with Claudia Plattner and representatives from politics and civil society, discussed the political power to shape a networked world. The focus was on the question of how sovereignty and democratic values can be preserved in the face of global technological dependencies.
Digital Minister Dr. Fabian Mehring: «Cyber security is no longer a technical niche debate, but a strategic question of survival for the state, economy and society. Digital sovereignty must inevitably become an integral part of the DNA of modern states if we want to carry the achievements of Western liberal democracies - peace, freedom, prosperity and security - from the last century into the AI age. Above all, freedom of choice, understood as the ability to make a self-determined decision between efficient European solutions and strong international offerings, is crucial.»
Transformation as a human challenge
Away from the regulatory debates, CPT 2026 focused on the human factor. In an intensive dialog, Dunja Hayali and Uli Hoeness met to talk about leadership, courage and dealing with radical change under the motto «Transformation is something you do yourself!». This exchange highlighted the social component of the conference: transformation can only succeed through a broad discourse across different industries and experiences.
In the central keynote of the second day, neuroscientist Dr. Henning Beck analyzed the limits of artificial intelligence in comparison to human cognition. Under the leitmotif «Brain vs. AI - Who has the upper hand?», Beck examined whether in future an AI with the will to power or a brain that does what it wants will retain the decision-making sovereignty. He clarified which thinking skills will become critical in an automated world and which developments are currently underestimated.
From neurobiology to quantum computing: a 360° view
Specific regulatory and technological issues were explored in depth in 15 in-depth masterclasses. Experts from leading institutions such as Fraunhofer IAO, Fraunhofer AISEC, the Technical University of Munich (TUM), the Cyberintelligence Institute and PwC imparted practical knowledge. The program covered the entire spectrum of the current security architecture: geopolitics and values dealt with Europe's digital sovereignty in the shadow of global rivalries. The question of man versus machine arose with regard to responsibility when AI agents make decisions faster than humans. Future technologies such as preparing for the post-quantum age and secure AI implementation were covered, as well as the practical implementation of NIS-2 and EU requirements by 2027.
FTAPI as a driving force
As host of CPT 2026, FTAPI is underlining its role as a driving force for innovation and networking in the industry. For the Munich-based software company, the focus is on combining technical excellence and social responsibility.
Ari Albertini, CEO of FTAPI, on the mission of the event: «Cyber security must not remain an isolated island of experts. We need the CPT as a meeting place where DAX board members, ministries and technological thought leaders can find a common language. The CPT is the operating system for a resilient Europe.»
Thomas Händl, Founder of CPT and VP Product Initiatives & Business Development at FTAPI, adds: «CPT 2026 has shown that we need to break down silos. When we bring IT decision-makers, CEOs and politicians to the table, we not only create security concepts, but also real visions for the future of a sovereign Europe. We don't just protect data, we protect our ability to act.»
Outlook: CPT 2027
Following the success of this year's event, FTAPI has already announced the date for next year's event. CPT 2027 will return to the Allianz Arena Munich from May 11 to 13, 2027 to continue the dialog on Europe's digital future.
More information: https://www.ftapi.com
This article originally appeared on m-q.ch - https://www.m-q.ch/de/cpt-2026-cyber-security-konferenz-setzt-zeichen-fuer-europas-digitale-souveraenitaet/
