Von der Leyen’s Commission Must Put Protecting Data Networks at the Top of the EU Agenda

By Mika Horelli, BRUSSELS – Modern society depends more than ever on telecommunications infrastructure like submarine cables, data centers, and mobile networks. These systems are essential for the economy, communication, and security. But in an era of hybrid warfare and sabotage, they have become both attractive and vulnerable targets. Any damage to this critical infrastructure could paralyze societies, disrupt economies, and pose major security challenges.

The risks are particularly severe when it comes to submarine cables, which carry over 95% of international data traffic. These cables are vital for both business operations and everyday internet use. However, since they lie largely unmonitored in remote environments, they are highly susceptible to sabotage. Last November, the simultaneous cutting of submarine cables in the Baltic Sea served as a stark warning of how exposed these essential systems are. The debate over who was behind the incident and on whose orders continues, but the central issue remains clear: authoritarian regimes are escalating hybrid warfare against Western democracies, and we must be prepared.

Three years ago, I had the opportunity to attend two major NATO-led exercises in Portugal—Repmus22 and Dyms22. These events focused on securing maritime infrastructure and highlighted the potential of emerging technologies, particularly drones, for monitoring and protecting cables and other critical systems. During the exercises, it became evident how drones could serve as effective surveillance tools, capable of rapidly detecting threats and reducing the risk of sabotage. These events underscored the growing importance of telecommunications infrastructure in international security policy.

Intelligence reports reveal that Russia and China are actively mapping Western cable routes, both in the Baltic Sea and along the Atlantic near Ireland. These activities aim to prepare for disrupting communications in the event of future conflicts. But the threats go beyond submarine cables. Data centers, mobile networks, and cyberattacks also pose significant risks to the functionality and reliability of telecommunications infrastructure.

Some have suggested that satellites could replace submarine cables, but this is unrealistic with current technology. Cables offer far greater data transfer capacity and speed. Satellite connections are hampered by significant latency, especially in geostationary systems orbiting 22,000 miles above Earth. Satellites are also vulnerable to both cyberattacks and physical damage, and they are much more expensive to maintain. While satellites can complement cables, they cannot replace them.

A Comprehensive EU Strategy Is Needed

The European Commission, which took office earlier this month, has a critical role to play in safeguarding the EU’s telecommunications infrastructure. The Commission must adopt a comprehensive strategy combining legislation, international cooperation, cybersecurity enhancements, and strategic investments.

The first step is to strengthen legislation. For instance, implementing the NIS2 Directive will improve risk management and cybersecurity for critical infrastructure. Additional regulations are also needed to enhance the security of submarine cables, such as embedding them deeper underwater or adding protective structures.

Second, building redundancy—through multiple cable routes and satellite connections—can reduce the impact of attacks and make sabotage less appealing. International cooperation is key, as telecommunications infrastructure crosses national borders. The EU must work closely with NATO and other allies to develop joint monitoring systems and early-warning mechanisms.

The EU should also invest in hybrid threat simulations, joint exercises, and allocating more resources for countering cyber threats. Strategic investments are essential to create new redundancy routes, expand the number of European data centers, and reduce reliance on external providers.

Finland’s Commissioner Is Pivotal

Henna Virkkunen, the Vice President of the European Commission responsible for digitalization and new technologies, has a crucial role to play in shaping the EU’s approach to protecting telecommunications infrastructure. Her portfolio includes data economy and cybersecurity—both essential for the success of this strategy.

The future of the EU depends on our ability to defend critical infrastructure. Raising awareness, fostering technological innovation, and strengthening international cooperation are essential to ensuring Europe’s telecommunications systems can withstand sabotage and hybrid warfare. This is not just a technical challenge—it is fundamental to securing Europe’s safety and stability.

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