Science & Tech · Big Tech & Internet · 3 hrs ago
EU backs proposal for undersea cable linking Europe directly to Greenland
The EU is backing a proposed undersea cable linking Europe directly to Greenland, bypassing US territory.
The project, called the Pan-Arctic Cable, could later extend to Canada, with connections toward Japan and South Korea.
The EU has committed $119 million to Greenland connectivity and the cable project.
Arctic ice and difficult conditions would make construction and repairs more costly, and the proposed Asian extension would depend on Canadian cooperation.
European governments are seeking alternative data routes amid concerns about security and reliance on vulnerable maritime corridors.
More than 90% of Europe-to-Asia data traffic travels through submarine links crossing the Red Sea, where disruptions have heightened concern.
The EU also proposes an Arctic Cable Hub to monitor and protect undersea infrastructure.
European businesses, research institutions and Greenland’s telecommunications operator have agreed to develop the proposal further.
The European Union is advancing a proposal for an undersea communications cable that would connect Greenland directly with Europe.
The proposed Pan-Arctic Cable could later extend to Canada and provide a route towards Japan and South Korea.
The EU has committed $119 million to Greenland’s secure communications infrastructure and the cable project.
The plan is part of wider efforts to reduce reliance on vulnerable or politically sensitive data routes.
The EU’s proposed Arctic Cable Hub would monitor, protect and support repairs to subsea infrastructure in northern waters.
- Who
- The European Union is advancing the proposal, alongside European businesses, research institutions and Greenland’s telecommunications operator.
- What
- A proposed undersea cable would connect Greenland directly with Europe. It could later extend to Canada and towards Japan and South Korea.
- When
- The European Commission identified the scheme as a priority in an Arctic policy paper released on October 20, 2026.
- Where
- The proposed route would link Europe and Greenland through Arctic waters.
- Why
- European governments are reassessing data routes amid security concerns and uncertainty about relations with Washington.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The proposed Arctic Connect cable along Russia’s northern coastline was abandoned.
Bulk Infrastructure began seeking a Canadian majority partner for its separately proposed Leif Erikson cable system.
The European Commission identified the Pan-Arctic Cable scheme as a priority in an Arctic policy paper.
- EU commitment
- $119 million (107 million euros) for Greenland’s secure communications infrastructure and the cable project
- Proposed route
- Europe to Greenland
- Potential extensions
- Canada, Japan and South Korea
- Arctic Cable Hub
- Proposed EU plan to monitor, protect and support repairs to northern subsea infrastructure
What people are saying
It is interesting that this project is even being considered, because five years ago it would have seemed like not a particularly commercially attractive proposition
But the fact that it’s being considered is very much on trend and a sign of our times.
We are going to see more cables that connect friendly countries, and then you have to figure out how you can connect friendly countries without going through unfriendly countries’ exclusive economic zones or territorial waters