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CEF Digital Funding for Cable Projects of European Interest CPEIs

European Commission – DigitalEU (DG CONNECT)
European Commission – DigitalEU (DG CONNECT)•Mar 24, 2026

Why It Matters

By channeling substantial public funds into strategic submarine cables, the EU strengthens its digital sovereignty, mitigates supply‑chain risks, and ensures uninterrupted connectivity for businesses and consumers across the continent.

Key Takeaways

  • •EU will invest €347 million via SEF Digital for cable resilience.
  • •Submarine cable disruptions projected to rise, prompting new security plan.
  • •CPIs designated through 2024 recommendations, funding calls 2025‑2040.
  • •Projects must pass specific EU funding calls to gain CPI status.
  • •New calls include €180 million for CPI infrastructure and repair modules.

Summary

The European Commission unveiled a €347 million SEF Digital programme aimed at bolstering the security and repair capacity of submarine cable backbones deemed Cable Projects of European Interest (CPEIs). The move follows an assessment that cable incidents are set to increase amid a volatile geopolitical climate, prompting a dedicated action plan to safeguard critical digital infrastructure.

CPEIs were identified in the 2024 cable recommendations and are grouped into three five‑year funding windows running from 2025 to 2040. Projects located in the priority zones must win specific EU calls to earn formal CPI status, and proposals are required to address risk scenarios outlined in the EU cable risk assessment and security toolbox released earlier this year.

Since the launch of the SEF Digital initiative, more than 70 projects have received over €600 million, with roughly €550 million earmarked for submarine cable work. In 2026 the Commission rolled out three calls totalling €220 million—€20 million for Baltic‑area repair modules, €20 million for advanced sensing capabilities, and a flagship €180 million call for CPI infrastructure—followed by a €40 million repair‑module call later this year and an €87 million CPI call slated for 2027.

These investments aim to create a more resilient, sovereign European digital network, reducing dependence on external repair services and embedding smart monitoring technologies that can detect and mitigate faults before they disrupt cross‑border communications.

Original Description

#DigitalEU #ConnectivityEU
The European Commission, in collaboration with Member States via a Cables Expert Group, has identified priority areas for funding submarine cable infrastructures. Projects aligning with these priorities - including a Cable Security Toolbox - may become Cable Projects of European Interest (CPEIs).
Through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital programme, the EU is allocating EUR 347 million by 2027 to support CPEIs, cable repair capacities (e.g., EUR 20 million for the Baltic region in 2026, EUR 40 million later in 2026), and smart sensing technologies, building on EUR 550 million already committed to over 70 submarine cable projects.
Launched and upcoming calls include EUR 180 million for CPEI infrastructure (2026), EUR 40 million for repair modules (late 2026), and EUR 87 million (2027), aiming to bolster the EU’s digital sovereignty, resilience, and security amid rising geopolitical tensions.
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