EU increases 'resilience' against threat to security infrastructure 

The EU is stepping up its efforts to counter the growing threat to submarine data cables.

Such cables carry as much as 99% of intercontinental internet traffic and are deemed as essential for modern life and the European economy.

The EU say it faces increasing risks to this critical infrastructure and, as such, the European Commission has revealed it is intensifying efforts to enhance its “security and resilience.”

On Thursday, it says it will introduce a new Cable Security Toolbox of risk mitigating measures and a list of Cable Projects of European Interest (CPEIs).

It has also allocated some €347 million to strategic submarine cable projects, including a €20 million call to enhance Europe's repair capacities.

The EU commissioner responsible for the dossier says new actions, “continues to demonstrate that we can quickly respond to rising threats in an unstable geopolitical environment.”

Executive Vice President for Tech Sovereignty, Security and Democracy Henna Virkkunen (pictured) noted: “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.”

The 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.

The toolbox outlines six strategic and four technical and support measures to improve the security of submarine cable infrastructure. It builds on 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.

The Commission amended the CEF Digital Work Programme, allocating €347 million to fund strategic submarine cable projects. These calls will support the CPEIs, enhance the EU's cable repair capacity and equip submarine cables with smart capabilities.

Opening now 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, said an EC spokesman, 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.

“This pilot will focus on the Baltic Sea due to the rise in submarine cable disruptions in recent years, suggesting these critical infrastructures might be subject to hostile acts.”

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