New CEF-Digital Calls Open for Proposals in Digital Global Gateways

The European Commission has unveiled two new calls for proposals as part of the Connecting Europe Facility - Digital (CEF-Digital) programme, following the recent publication of the list of 13 Cable Projects of European Interest (CPEI) areas. 

As of today, a call (CEF-DIG-2026-GATEWAYS) with a substantial budget of €180 million has been launched  to support the deployment or significant upgrade of backbone networks – in particular submarine cables but also terrestrial backbone fibre networks and ground stations for satellite communications – that address security risks, vulnerabilities and resilience in the EU backbone infrastructure. 

Additionally, a €20 million call (CEF-DIG-2026-SMART-CABLES) is open, aiming to enhance existing submarine telecommunications infrastructure with SMART capabilities. This initiative seeks to integrate sensors and other monitoring components measuring temperatures, detecting acoustic or other signals, etc. thereby collecting real-time ocean and seismic data as well as improve the monitoring functionalities of these critical communication networks. 

Who can apply?  

These routes can be located between EU countries and between the EU and third countries, including Outermost Regions and Overseas Countries and territories and in special cases within EU countries.  

Beneficiaries can be consortia of partners, including (local) operators, utility companies, local) authorities, investors and vendors. These calls are subject to strict exclusion of non-EU controlled entities.    

Next steps 

Deadline to submit applications is 30 June 2026, 17.00 CEST (Brussels time).  

To learn more about these calls and address any questions or queries, stakeholders are invited to attend the Info Day scheduled for 26 March 2026, from 9.30 to 12.30 CET. No prior registration is required; attendees can simply click on the provided link for access. 

Additional info and useful links   

Connecting Europe Facility – Digital – Multiannual work programme for 2024-2027.   

Apply here to Equipment for smart European cable systems.

Apply here to Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways.