EU boosts undersea cable security with nearly €1B reallocation, enhancing surveillance, deterrence, and rapid response. A new data-sharing system, drone program, and emergency repair fleet aim to protect critical infrastructure amid rising sabotage concerns.
The European Commission will redirect almost a billion euros within its budget to boost surveillance of undersea cables and establish a fleet of emergency repair vessels, the Commission's executive vice president said on Friday.
There is concern among European governments about a series of recent incidents in which power cables, telecom links and gas pipelines have been damaged, possibly on purpose.
"We want to make sure Europe is equipped not only to prevent and detect sabotage to cables but also to actively deter, repair and respond to any threat to critical infrastructure," said Henna Virkkunen, the executive vice president in charge of security at the Commission.
On Friday, Swedish police said they were investigating a suspected case of sabotage involving an undersea telecoms cable in the Baltic Sea.
NATO said last month that some of its member countries were deploying frigates, patrol aircraft and naval drones in the Baltic Sea to help protect critical infrastructure.
"We know that this is a threat for our security and for our environment, not only in the Baltic Sea area, but all over the European Union," Virkkunen told reporters in Helsinki.
In the Mediterranean, authorities are investigating explosions on three oil tankers in separate incidents in the last month, in a new sign of suspected sabotage action elsewhere in Europe.
In its action plan, the Commission pledged action to deter, prevent, detect and respond to cable damage. The reallocated budget cash would be used to develop a new data-sharing surveillance mechanism and drone programme.
It also outlined a goal to ensure supplies of spare parts for broken cables and to work towards the creation of an emergency reserve fleet "to deploy or repair electric or optical submarine cables".
The European Commission has proposed potential countermeasures on up to €95 billion worth of US goods should ongoing trade negotiations with Washington fail to resolve current tariff disputes.
The European Parliament has approved a relaxation of car and van CO₂ emissions targets, giving automakers more time to comply and potentially avoid billions in fines, following concerns over their readiness to meet 2025 goals.
European capitals are advising the European Commission to delay any major responses to U.S. trade tariffs until after the NATO summit in June, as leaders prioritize securing a consensus with Donald Trump on the future of Europe’s defense responsibilities.
The European Union is expected to announce new tariff counter-measures on Thursday targeting U.S. aerospace exports, including Boeing jets, in response to escalating trade tensions with Washington.
Slovakia and Hungary have condemned the European Commission’s new proposal to phase out Russian energy imports by 2027, warning the move would harm EU competitiveness.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Each year, Italians gather in Monte di Nese to commemorate a little-known World War II tragedy—the massacre of Azerbaijani soldiers who resisted fascist forces in 1945 and paid with their lives for choosing freedom.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
India has fired a series of missiles into Pakistani-controlled territory, in what it has described as “Operation Sindoor”
For the first time in history, an American has been chosen to lead the Catholic Church, as Cardinal Robert Prevost is named pope.
Discover every major VE Day 80 event in Britain, 5‑8 May 2025—from London’s parade and fly‑past to street parties, concerts and museum exhibitions.
Chinese e-commerce platform Temu has announced it will no longer sell goods directly from China to U.S. customers, shifting instead to U.S.-based sellers amid the closure of a long-criticized customs loophole.
Cardinals from 70 nations have gathered in Vatican City to begin the historic conclave to elect the next pope, following the death of Pope Francis 17 days ago. This conclave is the most geographically diverse in Church history, showcasing Francis’ legacy of inclusivity.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Each year, Italians gather in Monte di Nese to commemorate a little-known World War II tragedy—the massacre of Azerbaijani soldiers who resisted fascist forces in 1945 and paid with their lives for choosing freedom.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
President Donald Trump and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer have reached a trade agreement that lowers U.S. tariffs on British autos, steel, and aluminum, while maintaining a 10% baseline tariff on other goods and boosting American exports of beef and ethanol.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 9th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
Each year, Italians gather in Monte di Nese to commemorate a little-known World War II tragedy—the massacre of Azerbaijani soldiers who resisted fascist forces in 1945 and paid with their lives for choosing freedom.
Britain's King Charles has called on the world to work toward lasting peace and preventing future wars during a speech marking the end of four days of events celebrating the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Before becoming Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost shared rare insights on faith, unity, and modern challenges in a few candid interviews.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment