CEF Digital supports the deployment of strategic backbone networks as part of the Digital Global Gateway Strategy of the EU, contributing to strengthening 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 Overseas Countries and 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
Repair Capacities in the Baltic Sea
Status: Currently open
- You can apply here by 6 May 2026, 17.00 (Brussels time).
- You can access the Info Day recording and presentation here.
Deployment of strategic backbone networks
Status: Currently open
- You can apply here by 30 June 2026, 17.00 (Brussels time).
- You can access the Info Day recording and presentation here
Upgrade of existing infrastructure with smart capabilities
Status: Currently open
- You can apply here by 30 June 2026, 17.00 (Brussels time).
- You can access the Info Day recording and presentation here
Awarded projects
Browse EU-funded projects on the Funding & Tenders portal and get inspired.
News
HaDEA is actively contributing to the European AI revolution by funding and managing hundreds of AI-related projects that either develop or apply AI tools. These projects range widely, from applying AI to improve healthcare diagnostics to enhancing earth observation capabilities.
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.
Under the CEF-Digital programme, HaDEA is seeking experts with strong technical backgrounds on submarine cables.
The Mobile World Congress (MWC), taking place from 2 to 5 March 2026 in Barcelona, is a key event for the global connectivity industry. Discover the HaDEA-managed projects attending the event.