Collaboration will accelerate knowledge-sharing, joint training and cross-border response to attacks on critical energy infrastructure

The European Network for Cyber Security (ENCS) today announces that ELES, Slovenia's transmission system operator, has joined the network as a member, reinforcing collaborative efforts to protect Europe’s electricity grid from evolving cyber threats.

The partnership will give ELES access to ENCS’s collaborative threat intelligence, specialist training and technical expertise – strengthening its ability to detect, prevent and respond to cyber incidents targeting high-voltage networks across Slovenia and beyond.

The move comes amid rising pressure on Europe’s grid operators. According to the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA)’s Threat Landscape 2025, operational technology – the backbone of electricity networks – faces an increasing range of cyber threats, with incidents growing in frequency and sophistication. As nation-state activity intensifies and consumer-connected devices expand the attack surface, coordinated action to protect critical infrastructure has never been more essential. 

“Europe’s power systems are only as strong as their weakest link,” said Anjos Nijk, Managing Director of ENCS. “ELES’s new membership strengthens our joint defences and brings valuable regional expertise to the table. As Slovenia’s grid underpins stability across Central Europe, their participation will help drive the shared strategies and capabilities needed to counter evolving cyber threats.”

“Grid cybersecurity is a team effort,” added Gorazd Rolih, SOC Manager at ELES. “Joining ENCS allows us to both contribute to and benefit from Europe-wide collaboration, sharing intelligence, best practices and operational insights that make every member stronger. Together, we look forward to building the resilience our energy systems needs for the future.”

The announcement follows the 8th annual Cybersecurity Forum, hosted by ENCS in Brussels last month. Jointly organised in partnership with E.DSO, EE-ISAC and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), the event brought together over 200 European energy and cybersecurity leaders to highlight the growing urgency of embedding cybersecurity in new technologies and strengthening collaboration across Europe’s electricity networks.