The European Commission has announced urgent measures to safeguard undersea cables after a rise in suspected sabotage incidents. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, accidental cable breaks have become more frequent, raising concerns that Moscow may be involved.
On Friday, the Commission outlined a security plan based on four key pillars: prevention, detection, response, and deterrence. Henna Virkkunen, the Commission’s executive vice-president for digital, stressed the importance of strengthening Europe’s defences against such threats.
Undersea cables are critical infrastructure, supporting internet connectivity and electricity transmission across Europe. The Commission has called for the development of more resilient cables that can better withstand potential attacks. Increased cooperation at both European and international levels is also necessary to improve early detection and accelerate repairs.
“These incidents have the potential to disrupt vital services to our society and carry a significant security risk,” Virkkunen warned. She advocated for a joint cable surveillance mechanism, which will soon undergo testing in the Baltic Sea.
To deter future threats, the Commission has suggested sanctions and diplomatic measures. In December, the EU’s External Action Service introduced measures against Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, suspected of damaging critical cables in the Baltic Sea.
By the end of 2025, the EU will present a comprehensive security strategy, including a map of submarine cables, a coordinated risk assessment, a Cable Security Toolbox, and a priority list of key cable projects. These efforts aim to enhance Europe’s resilience against emerging security challenges.
