CEF Digital supports the deployment of strategic backbone networks as part of the Digital Global Gateway Strategy of the EU, contributing to strengthen the quality and resilience of connectivity between EU countries, as well as third countries. This call is technology neutral and can support submarine cables, satellite infrastructures connectivity to internet exchange points, among others.
Projects funded under the Digital Global Gateways Call aim to deploy new and significant upgrades of connectivity routes, where:
- The existing infrastructure cannot satisfy demand for affordable and adequate services in line with the EU connectivity objectives for 2030.
- There is a lack of the necessary redundancy to guarantee reliable, resilient, adequate, and secure international connectivity.
- The users in the served territories suffer from suboptimal services or prices compared to those offered in more competitive but otherwise comparable areas or routes.
These routes can be located within EU countries, between EU countries and between the EU and third countries, including Outermost Regions and other remote territories.
The expected benefits go beyond those directly related to supported projects and contribute to bridging the digital divide and ensuring widespread access to Gigabit networks for citizens and businesses.
How to participate
Beneficiaries can take the form of consortia, including (local) operators, utilities, (local) authorities, investors and vendors. The proposals under this topic are subject to strict exclusion of non-EU controlled entities. Calls are announced on our website and social media channels.
Awarded projects
Browse EU-funded projects on the Funding & Tenders portal and get inspired.
News
![CEF Highlight of the month: Will the Artic be the next Digital Gateway?](https://hadea.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2024-06/240603_CEF-telecom-highlight_v01%201%20%281%29.png?h=cd57bf56&itok=yYFyjaXv)
This year marks 10 years since the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Programme was launched in 2014. To celebrate its anniversary, HaDEA will publish a series of articles to highlight the results and achievements of this funding instrument.
![Submarine Networks EMEA. 19 May at 11.20 Keynote speech 'HaDEA: Managing EU funding of digital backbones'. Marina Zanchi, Director of HaDEA](https://hadea.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2024-04/240518_Submarine_v01.jpg?h=06dd7da2&itok=5zX83bgV)
HaDEA will be at this year's Submarine Networks EMEA conference on 29 and 30 May. Join to meet CEF Digital project beneficiaries learn about the latest accomplishments in the field and the role of the Agency in supporting the Digital Global Gateways strategy of the EU.
![Connectivity Package - CEF Digital. Dark background with white letters. Text: See some examples of how CEF Digital is supporting the European Commission's plan for improved digital infrastructure.](https://hadea.ec.europa.eu/sites/default/files/styles/oe_theme_ratio_3_2_medium/public/2024-03/240318_CEF-carousel_v0214.jpg?h=cd57bf56&itok=CZomUUDx)
The European Commission published in February its Connectivity Package with a White Paper on the future of digital infrastructures in Europe, and a Recommendation on the security and resilience of submarine cable infrastructures.