As Europe faces increasing risks to its critical infrastructure, the EU Commission has introduced a new Cable Security Toolbox of risk mitigating measures and a list of Cable Projects of European Interest (CPEIs).
Submarine data cables, carrying 99% of intercontinental internet traffic, are seen as essential for modern life and for Europe’s economy, and the Commission is intensifying efforts to enhance its security and resilience.
Alongside the toolbox and projects, the EU executive has also amended the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) – Digital Work Programme to allocate €347 million to strategic submarine cable projects, including a €20 million call to enhance Europe’s repair capacities, which opens today.
The toolbox outlines six strategic and four technical and support measures to improve the security of submarine cable infrastructure. It builds on the October 2025 risk assessment, which identified risk scenarios, threats, vulnerabilities and dependencies. The list of 13 CPEI areas for public funding specifies three five-year stages, up to 2040, to fund projects aimed at strengthening the resilience of submarine cables.
Opening today is a €20 million call under CEF Digital to finance adaptable modules for submarine cable repairs. These modules will be stationed at ports or shipyards to swiftly restore submarine cable services. This marks the first phase of a broader initiative planned for all major sea basins of the European Union, including the Baltic, the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
Today’s announcements are part of the EU Action Plan on Cable Security, aimed at increasing the security and resilience of Europe’s submarine cables, including countering the rise of intentional damage and sabotage. Under the current CEF Digital multiannual Work Programme (2024-2027), a total €533 million is allocated for submarine cable projects, with €186 million already awarded to 25 projects.
