In an open letter from European telecommunications operators and subsea cable stakeholders to the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK), and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), the signatories noted that, at this crucial time in Europe’s security and resilience, they commend EU, UK, and NATO decision-makers’ efforts to strengthen collective defense and protect critical infrastructure.
Subsea cables play a vital role in Europe’s connectivity, competitiveness, defense readiness, and economic stability. The operators have recommended that the EU/EEA and UK authorities, as well as NATO, renew their collaboration to address this situation effectively, together with industry stakeholders from the EU and UK.
With the rise in hybrid threats, including incidents affecting subsea cables in the Baltic and North Sea, the operators emphasized the importance of enhanced, coordinated action to safeguard Europe’s cross-border networks. The EU Action Plan on Cable Security provides a clear approach to further increase the resilience and security of subsea cables.
In particular, the operators welcomed the reference made to the instrumental aspect of the Connected Europe Facility (CEF), and the willingness of the European Commission (EC) to launch a dedicated dialogue with the industry covering the list of Cable Projects of European Interest (CPEI) and the need for the deployment of surveillance and protection technologies for submarine cable infrastructure. They argued that instruments of the UK authorities and NATO could strengthen the momentum if coordinated effectively.
The operators noted that they are strongly committed to contributing to this dialogue with the EC, the UK, and NATO. They emphasized that, to deliver on the Action Plan, it is crucial to engage industry stakeholders and establish a clear roadmap for implementation, adding that the challenge now is to ensure a high level of security and resilience across Europe, building on existing frameworks such as the NIS2 Directive and promoting best practices.
They reiterated that the entire subsea cable ecosystem must be regarded as critical infrastructure. According to the operators, it is essential to collectively ensure the appropriate level of security screening, protection, and investments to achieve resilience. The repercussions of damage to subsea cables extend far beyond Europe, potentially affecting global internet and power infrastructure, international communications, financial transactions, and critical services worldwide.
The operators urged the EU/EEA, UK, and NATO decision-makers to work together closely with EU/EEA and UK industry stakeholders, noting that harmonized approaches must be developed for the subsea cable ecosystem to align security objectives with operational feasibility as well as a viable business model, and, based on proportionate and risk-based best practices, developed in close consultation with industry stakeholders. They suggested that these security practices could be spread through public procurement, which can be mirrored across likeminded partners and NATO allies.
The operators mentioned that the EU/EEA, the UK, and NATO must invest in the robust exchange of knowledge and intelligence, as well as shared monitoring and surveillance initiatives, involving all relevant stakeholders, to pursue collective and enduring solutions. They emphasized that stronger public-private cooperation with trusted partners is essential to effectively manage threats and develop shared resilience strategies.
Furthermore, the operators identified that investment in advanced technologies to detect and mitigate damage to subsea cables is critical. Such efforts should be supported by funding instruments such as the CEF, or the European Defence Fund. They emphasized that it is, therefore, of utmost importance to confirm and increase the budget allocated to digital initiatives, including the CEF. Looking ahead, they added that this budget should also be extended under the Multiannual Financial Framework (MFF), as well as through the instruments of the UK government and NATO.
In parallel, the operators identified that the development of additional routes, both terrestrial and subsea, will enhance redundancy and reduce vulnerability to single points of failure. Such aspects of resilience should be enhanced in the objectives of the CEF.
According to the operators, by partnering with the industry, Europe can leverage advanced technologies and expertise to improve situational awareness, enable rapid response, and strengthen repair capabilities. They added that simplifying the permitting process and governance structures will further expedite these necessary security measures.
The operators concluded that subsea cable security must be a cornerstone of broader infrastructure protection efforts, adding that, by acting now, vested stakeholders can safeguard the networks that underpin the world’s shared future.
