Polar Connect Prioritized as a Cable Project of European Interest

Polar Connect has been designated a Cable Project of European Interest (CPEI) by the European Union, a significant milestone that confirms the project’s strategic importance for Europe’s digital future.

Its inclusion on the EU’s prioritised list of submarine cable projects demonstrates clear recognition of Polar Connect as critical infrastructure for Europe’s resilience, security, and long-term digital autonomy.

Cable Project of European Interest

CPEI projects are selected because they strengthen Europe’s resilience, reduce dependence on vulnerable infrastructure routes, and reinforce the EU’s geopolitical autonomy.

The designation follows the work of the Submarine Cable Infrastructures informal Expert Group, composed of representatives from all EU Member States and the European Commission, with input from relevant bodies.

The role of the expert group is to facilitate rapid information exchange among Member States, maintain an up-to-date map of submarine cable networks across Europe, and integrate these updates into annual resilience planning cycles. Its work serves as the structural backbone of broader actions, including the development of unified resilience strategies under the EU Action Plan on Submarine Cable Security.

In its recent report, published by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Communications Networks, Content and Technology (DG CNECT) in January 2026, the group identified 13 priority Cable Projects of European Interest and presented a submarine cable security toolbox with concrete risk-mitigating measures. The selected projects are recommended for EU funding and coordinated support.

Strengthening Europe’s Digital Resilience

Polar Connect will establish a new global digital corridor linking Europe, North America, and Asia via the central Arctic route. By creating a secure and redundant northern connection, the initiative reduces reliance on more exposed and vulnerable submarine cable routes.

Polar Connect integrates security, research, innovation, and sustainability in a way few other infrastructure investments can. At a time when 99% of intercontinental data traffic is carried by submarine cables, resilient infrastructure is fundamental to Europe’s economy, research collaboration, and societal stability. Polar Connect strengthens Europe’s resilience and digital sovereignty by offering a secure, redundant, and geopolitically stable Arctic route.

This designation positions the Nordic region at the centre of Europe’s long-term strategy for digital sovereignty and opens new opportunities for bilateral cooperation in science, technology, and sustainability.