Is Europe Ready For A Smarter Seafloor?

EU cable push drives upgrades as Nexans and Prysmian back tougher, faster offshore networks

20 Nov 2025

Europe’s rush to strengthen the cables that carry its data and power is entering a decisive phase. A broad EU plan to improve the security and resilience of undersea links is shaping expectations and speeding investment.

The EU Action Plan on Cable Security sits at the centre of this shift. It calls for a detailed map of submarine routes, shared cross-border risk checks and faster repair readiness. Such steps recast the networks as strategic assets vital to Europe’s digital economy and expanding clean-energy system. Industry watchers liken the moment to earlier regulatory pushes in renewables and telecoms.

Suppliers have been quick to adapt. A strategy leader at Nexans says the plan offers firmer investment signals and helps firms prepare systems built to last. Prysmian Group reports rising demand for “advanced cables designed to track their own condition and warn operators before faults appear”. EU officials argue that these systems could shorten outages and improve coordination during repairs.

Investors are paying attention. Tighter security expectations may strengthen the case for renewing ageing routes or laying fresh ones as offshore wind grows. Analysts also speak of a quiet reset that could spark new partnerships or consolidation as firms chase higher performance standards.

Yet snags persist. Operators warn that securing repair ships, spare parts and monitoring gear will add costs, especially for smaller players. Others doubt that national regulators and EU bodies can align their rules with suitable speed. Even so, the mood is optimistic. Many in the sector say tougher standards are overdue and that the EU’s assertive stance will help Europe keep pace with global rivals.

As demand for connectivity and clean power rises, Europe’s submarine backbone is set for a marked upgrade, one that may shape the future of both energy and communications.