Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways - Studies

Expected Impact:

The expected impact of the supported project include:

• Improved quality and maturity of future EU backbone networks development, in particular CPEIs.

Objective:

Studies related to the deployment/significant upgrade of backbone networks that address risks, vulnerabilities and dependencies in the EU backbone infrastructure.

Scope:

Support will be given to studies for the deployment of backbone connectivity meeting one of the following conditions:

• connect at least two Member States. In the case of terrestrial backbones, only cross-border segments necessary to connect national backbones will be funded;

• connect a Member State with one or several of its islands, outermost regions, or overseas countries and territories;

• connect one or several Member States and third countries, including accession and neighbourhood countries, directly, or indirectly via other cable infrastructures linked to the Union.

Proposals should specify whether they contribute to the resilience and security of submarine cable connectivity in CPEI Areas 1-13 (except Areas 8 and 10), and in particular Areas 1-7 from the CPEI list published in February 2026, as projects with such characteristics will be scored positively under the evaluation criterion ”Priority and Urgency”.

The following activities can be funded:

• all preparatory work required prior to signing a contract with a supplier, such as marine ground surveys for submarine cables and the application for any required permits;

• studies for possible follow up/deployment of cable projects of European interest during the Multiannual Financial Framework 2028-2034 are also eligible.