EU Takes Steps to Secure Transatlantic Undersea Cables Amid Growing Security Concerns

The European Union has begun developing a strategy to protect transatlantic undersea cables, critical infrastructure that facilitates millions of daily transactions between Europe and North America. This initiative comes amidst concerns over Ireland’s inability to adequately safeguard these assets due to limited naval resources.

According to the Irish Examiner, the EU’s first-ever Defense Commissioner, Andrius Kubilius, is spearheading efforts to address this issue. The move follows discussions with Irish Members of the European Parliament (MEPs), who highlighted the vulnerability of Ireland’s extensive Economic Exclusive Zone (EEZ), through which approximately 75% of all transatlantic cables pass.

Seán Kelly, leader of Fine Gael in the European Parliament, stated that Ireland lacks sufficient naval capabilities to ensure the protection of this vital infrastructure. The Irish Naval Service can currently deploy only one vessel for patrols at any given time and lacks sonar technology necessary for detecting underwater activities, such as those involving submersibles.

“The immense size of Ireland’s EEZ means that monitoring and protecting the undersea cables requires a collaborative effort. We cannot handle this challenge alone given the growing security threats,” Kelly explained. He urged the Irish government to proactively engage with Commissioner Kubilius and EU member states to establish a coordinated response.

Concerns over the security of undersea cables have intensified due to recent incidents involving Russian naval activity. In November 2024, the Russian ship Yantar, officially designated as a “research vessel,” entered Ireland’s EEZ. Despite immediate requests from the Irish patrol ship LÉ James Joyce to vacate the area, the vessel remained until early the following morning.

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This was not an isolated incident. In 2023, a Russian submarine was detected near the entrance to Cork Harbour. It was ultimately forced to retreat by a British helicopter and the appearance of a Royal Navy warship, highlighting the limitations of Ireland’s maritime defense capabilities.

Observers suggest that such maneuvers are part of Russia’s efforts to test the reactions of Irish and British authorities and to assess their coordination. Past reports have also indicated that Russian vessels, such as the Yantar, may have deployed submersibles capable of sabotaging undersea cables by attaching explosives.

The risks extend beyond transatlantic data cables to include subsea energy infrastructure, such as the €1 billion Celtic Interconnector under construction between France and Ireland. Kelly emphasized the strategic importance of these assets, warning that any disruption could have catastrophic consequences for Ireland, Europe, and the global economy.

While Commissioner Kubilius is expected to present detailed proposals, Kelly stressed the urgency of immediate action. “Rather than waiting for the finalization of EU-wide plans, the Irish government must act now to ensure a robust and coordinated response,” he said.

Irish officials have called for greater involvement from European and British naval forces to address these challenges. Talks are reportedly underway to enhance maritime surveillance and develop a comprehensive strategy for protecting critical infrastructure in the region.

Earlier, Finnish investigators linked damage to subsea power and data cables to the Russian-affiliated tanker Eagle S, whose anchor reportedly caused significant disruptions. The vessel, part of a Russian shadow fleet and sailing under the Cook Islands flag, has been detained in Finland’s Kilpilahti port for investigation.