In the past year, the urgency to protect undersea internet cables has surged. Why? We’ve seen a rise in threats, especially from nation-states looking to sabotage critical infrastructure. Take the damage to the Estlink-2 power cable between Finland and Estonia in December 2024 as a glaring example. In light of these threats, a group of tech firms and operators is pushing for stronger action from the EU, UK, and NATO to secure Europe’s cross-border networks.
In an open letter from companies like GlobalConnect, Alcatel, and Vodafone, these leaders stress that now is a pivotal moment for Europe’s security. They highlight the crucial role subsea cables play in keeping Europe connected, competitive, and economically stable. The rise of hybrid threats, especially those targeting cables in the Baltic and North Sea, shows that a coordinated effort to protect these networks is essential.
The letter points out the EU Action Plan on Cable Security as a solid foundation for bolstering the resilience and security of these cables. The companies express their commitment to engage with the European Commission, the UK, and NATO to advance this Action Plan. They emphasize the need to involve industry stakeholders to create a clear roadmap for implementation.
They express appreciation for the EU and UK authorities’ efforts in strengthening collective defense and protecting critical infrastructure. They urge a renewed collaboration among these authorities and NATO to effectively tackle the challenges at hand, working alongside industry players.
The firms highlight the Connected Europe Facility (CEF) as a key tool for this effort. They support the European Commission’s willingness to initiate a dedicated dialogue with the industry on how to define the Critical Protection Engagement Initiatives (CPEIs) and implement surveillance and protection technologies for submarine infrastructure. They believe that coordinated actions from UK authorities and NATO can enhance this momentum.
From a technical standpoint, they stress the importance of investing in advanced technologies for detecting and mitigating damage to subsea cables. They suggest that funding mechanisms like the CEF and the European Defence Fund should back these initiatives, emphasizing the critical need to boost budgets for digital infrastructure.
They also mention the necessity of developing additional terrestrial and subsea routes to improve redundancy and reduce risks. This resilience should be integral to the CEF’s objectives.
Looking ahead, the challenge lies in ensuring security and resilience across Europe. Building on existing frameworks, such as the NIS2 Directive for cybersecurity, is vital.
The letter concludes with a stark reminder: the entire subsea cable ecosystem counts as critical infrastructure. We need to collaborate on security screening, protective measures, and resilience investments. Damage to these cables could have global consequences, affecting everything from internet connectivity to financial transactions.
The firms call for unified approaches to align security goals with practical operations and viable business models, all while grounded in risk-based best practices developed in partnership with industry experts. They believe that by collaborating, Europe can harness technology and expertise to strengthen situational awareness, enable quick responses, and improve repair capabilities. Simplifying the permitting process will help expedite necessary security measures. The protection of subsea cable security must be central to broader infrastructure defense strategies. The time to act is now, ensuring these vital networks for our shared future remain secure.