Connectivity package on digital networks and infrastructure

Practical information

• Composition of the study group
• Administrator: Alessandro RIZZI, Assistant: Maria Grazia RUOCCO
• Foreseen for the TEN section meeting: 11 July  2024
• Foreseen for the EESC plenary session: 18-19 September 2024

Background

The digital connectivity package published by the European Commission includes a white paper on ‘How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?’ and a recommendation on ‘Secure and resilient submarine cable infrastructures’.

The white paper includes a set of proposed actions by the European Commission to enhance the innovation, security and resilience of digital infrastructures. The challenges identified include rapid technological developments, the need for significant investment, the lack of a fully integrated single market for telecoms, a fragmented approach to radio spectrum management and the lack of a level playing field. In order to meet the targets set in the 2030 Digital Decade Policy Programme, the document emphasises the need for substantial and coordinated investment of more than EUR 200 billion from the private and public sector to ensure the roll-out of high-capacity digital networks.

The European Commission recommendation emphasises the importance of submarine cable infrastructures for the digital sovereignty of the European Union and the need to ensure their security and resilience against potential threats. The document underlines the strategic relevance of submarine cable infrastructures, which carry the majority of international data traffic, and highlights the potential serious consequences of systemic and widespread disruptions of submarine cable communications due to coordinated attacks or interference from third countries.