Today, Executive Vice-President Henna Virkkunen presented the Joint Communication of the Commission and the HRVP in Helsinki to bolster the security and resilience of submarine cables. Announced by President von der Leyen on February 9 in Vilnius, this Joint Communication introduces measures to enhance the resilience of this critical infrastructure. It focuses on prevention, detection, response, recovery, and deterrence.
Communication cables connect member states, islands, and the EU to the world, carrying 99% of intercontinental internet traffic. Subsea electricity cables are vital for energy supply and market integration. Recent incidents have shown these infrastructures are vulnerable to disruptions. These initiatives directly address such threats.
The Joint Communication supports all member states, including the Baltic region, which has seen an increase in cable incidents. Key measures include:
- Prevention: Strengthening security requirements and risk assessments, prioritizing funding for new smart cables.
- Detection: Enhanced threat monitoring per sea basin, such as the Mediterranean and the Baltic Seas.
- Response and Recovery: More efficient EU crisis response and increased repair capacity.
- Deterrence: Sanctions and diplomatic measures against hostile actors.
These strategic actions support the work of the Submarine Cable Infrastructure Expert Group and complement NATOs activities.
Next Steps
The Commission and the High Representative will implement specific actions in 2025 and 2026. By the end of 2025, a coordinated risk assessment and toolbox of mitigating measures are expected.
Background
Submarine cable security was addressed in a 2024 recommendation and a white paper on Europes digital infrastructure needs.
The EU is working on cyber resilience and protecting citizens from threats. Implementation of the strengthened legal framework for critical infrastructure continues, with directives such as CER and NIS2.