EU Maritime Security Faces Rising Threats to Undersea Infrastructure

• •Undersea cables and pipelines are critical for global data and energy supply, carrying 99% of data.
• •The EU has updated its Maritime Security Strategy in response to threats from Russia and recent infrastructure attacks.
• •Significant funding is directed towards detection, surveillance, and counter-drone initiatives to protect undersea assets.

The EU is increasingly focused on protecting its undersea cables and pipelines, which are vital for global data transmission and energy supplies. Recent incidents, including the Nord Stream pipeline explosion in 2022 and subsequent damage to cables between Finland and Germany, have highlighted vulnerabilities. The EU's Maritime Security Strategy was updated in 2023 to address these threats, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions stemming from Russia's actions in Ukraine. Key initiatives include the 2025 Cable Security Action Plan and the EUR92 million OceanEye project aimed at enhancing maritime situational awareness. The EU is also investing in counter-drone technologies and surveillance systems to safeguard these critical infrastructures. As maritime defense becomes a central pillar of EU strategy, the focus is on innovation and collaboration to mitigate risks from sabotage and cyberattacks.