Submarine data cables, which carry 99% of intercontinental internet traffic, are crucial for modern life and the European economy. In response to rising risks to this infrastructure, the European Commission is enhancing its security and resilience. On 5 February, it introduced a Cable Security Toolbox with risk mitigation measures and a list of Cable Projects of European Interest (CPEIs). The Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) – Digital Work Programme has been amended to allocate €347 million to strategic underwater cable projects, including a €20 million initiative to bolster Europe’s repair capabilities. These efforts are part of the EU Action Plan on Cable Security, which aims to combat threats such as intentional damage and sabotage.
With these new actions, “the EU continues to demonstrate that we can quickly respond to rising threats in an unstable geopolitical environment. We now have a common approach agreed with Member States for security risks faced by submarine cables and measures to mitigate those risks and areas requiring reinforcement as a priority. We will continue working with Member States and other stakeholders to counter threats and invest in these critical infrastructures – key to our technological sovereignty and the resilience of our connected societies,” stated Henna Virkkunen, Executive Vice-President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy.
The toolbox outlines six strategic measures and four technical support measures to improve submarine cable security. Building on a risk assessment from October 2025, the CPEI list identifies 13 areas for funding over three five-year phases, leading up to 2040. These areas will be prioritised in future CEF Digital calls and guide funding under the next Multi-annual Financial Framework, developed by the Commission and Member State representatives in a specialised Cables Expert Group.
The Commission has allocated €347 million in the CEF Digital Work Programme for submarine cable projects. In 2026, €60 million will fund cable repair modules, with an additional €20 million for SMART cable system equipment. A €20 million call for adaptable repair modules is now open, focusing on the Baltic Sea due to rising disruptions. Proposals are limited to public entities with an ’emergency response’ mandate.
In February 2024, the Commission formed the Submarine Cable Infrastructure Expert Group. An EU Action Plan for Cable Security followed in 2025, along with a risk assessment. The Connecting Europe Facility allocates €533 million for submarine cable projects from 2024 to 2027, with €186 million awarded to 25 projects, and €420 million funding 51 connectivity projects from 2021 to 2024.
