Europe is diving deep to secure its digital future with a bold EUR 540-million push into subsea cable infrastructure, a move as strategic as it is symbolic. Announced by the European Commission (EC), the investment anchors the European Union’s (EU) ambitious Action Plan on Cable Security, which aims to fortify the hidden arteries of the internet that transmit nearly all of Europe’s cross-border data.
In an era where information is power and connectivity is critical, these underwater lifelines are no longer just technical assets; they’re geopolitical frontlines. With this initiative, Europe intends to stay connected on its own terms.
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Strengthening Digital Sovereignty through Infrastructure
Subsea cables are the unsung heroes of global communications, transmitting over 95% of international data traffic and 99% of intercontinental internet traffic. Recognizing their strategic importance, the EU is acting decisively to ensure these vital networks remain secure, resilient, and under trusted control amid rising geopolitical tensions and technological vulnerabilities.
Through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital program, the EU has already allocated EUR 420 million across 51 backbone connectivity projects, supporting both new routes and upgrades to existing infrastructure. A further EUR 540 million, confirmed in 2025, will be deployed between now and 2027, bringing total investment under CEF Digital to EUR 1 billion. The focus includes smart subsea cables, strategic redundancy, and prioritized Cable Projects of European Interest (CPEI) that reduce reliance on non-European infrastructure.
Enhancing Security in a Complex Global Landscape
But the EU’s action plan doesn’t stop at funding; it implements a resilient approach encompassing prevention, detection, response and repair, and deterrence. This strategic framework addresses both natural and man-made risks, from anchor drag and seismic events to sabotage and hybrid threats.
Recently, the EU’s Expert Group finalized an EU-wide mapping and coordinated risk assessment of submarine cable infrastructure, marking a major milestone in the prevention pillar. Meanwhile, work is underway to establish regional cable hubs and integrated surveillance systems, advancing Europe’s detection capabilities.
The cable infrastructure mapping draws from a range of public sources and includes detailed information on capacity, technical specifications, ownership, past incidents, landing points, and the processes involved in installation, maintenance, and repair.
The accompanying risk assessment identifies a spectrum of threats, vulnerabilities, and dependencies, organized into several defined risk scenarios. It distinguishes between physical and cyber security risks, accounting for both deliberate attacks and accidental damage. The analysis also considers broader dependencies across supply chains, geographic regions, and regulatory frameworks, encompassing technical, legal, and administrative factors.
Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy says:
Agreeing on the infrastructure mapping and coordinated risk assessment is the first key building block in implementing our EU Action Plan on Cable Security. This EU-wide guidance will help ensure that these infrastructures we all depend on are secure and resilient.
NATO Backup Boosts EU Cable Security
To enhance response and repair readiness, the EU is planning to establish a Cable Vessels Reserve Fleet, a strategically positioned group of specialized ships ready to deploy rapidly for emergency repairs on subsea cables. This fleet aims to significantly reduce downtime caused by damage or sabotage, ensuring swift restoration of vital connectivity. Alongside this, the EU is exploring joint procurement of critical components such as repeaters, branching units, and specialized cable materials to secure supply chains and reduce dependency on external suppliers.
These efforts are complemented by closer cooperation with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and international partners, fostering intelligence sharing, joint surveillance, and coordinated responses to protect subsea infrastructure. This includes enhanced maritime monitoring and deterrence measures specifically targeting the activities of the so-called “shadow fleet”, a network of unregistered or state-affiliated vessels known for covert operations near critical infrastructure. Together, these initiatives aim to create a resilient, multi-layered defense system that safeguards Europe’s digital arteries against physical and cyber threats, reinforcing the continent’s digital sovereignty and security in an increasingly contested global landscape.
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Driving Connectivity and Economic Growth
Beyond safeguarding critical infrastructure, this investment serves as a powerful catalyst for Europe’s broader digital transformation. Subsea cables are the backbone of modern connectivity, enabling everything from cloud computing and financial transactions to emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, and 5G networks. Upgrading and expanding these networks will enhance high-capacity, low-latency connectivity across Europe while strengthening vital digital links with Africa, Asia, and the Americas, solidifying Europe’s role as a key global digital hub.
By reducing latency, increasing network redundancy, and deploying smart, self-monitoring cable systems capable of predictive maintenance, the EU is fostering a digital economy that is more competitive, secure, and resilient. This modernized infrastructure also underpins Europe’s ambition to lead in green energy integration through submarine electricity interconnectors, which are essential for harnessing offshore wind power and facilitating efficient cross-border energy trade. Ultimately, these investments not only improve digital services but also contribute to sustainability goals and economic growth, supporting a future-ready Europe at the forefront of innovation and global connectivity.
A Collaborative Effort for Europe’s Digital Future
The success of this ambitious initiative hinges on seamless coordination among governments, telecom operators, technology providers, and international partners. The EU places strong emphasis on public-private partnerships, continuous knowledge sharing, and harmonized response frameworks to swiftly address emerging threats and vulnerabilities in real time. Beyond infrastructure, this effort fosters innovation by engaging research institutions and supporting European startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) specializing in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.
Backed by a strategic action plan with clear milestones, the EUR 540-million subsea cable investment marks a pivotal stride toward a secure, autonomous, and digitally sovereign Europe. By reinforcing the continent’s digital arteries, Europe not only enhances connectivity and resilience but also cultivates a robust ecosystem for long-term economic growth, technological innovation, and geopolitical stability in an increasingly complex global landscape. This collaborative approach ensures Europe remains at the forefront of setting global standards, promoting interoperability, and nurturing the skilled workforce essential for managing and protecting critical digital infrastructure.
