Submarine Cable Repair Capacities - Works

Call CEF-DIG-2026 (CEF Digital) opened 23 June 2026 with a deadline of 08 October 2026, an indicative budget of €40,000,000 and a funding rate of up to 50%. The call funds design, production-level deployment and operational readiness of modular submarine cable repair equipment hosted in ports/shipyards and installable on pre-configured flat-deck vessels to improve emergency response and backbone network resilience across main EU sea basins. Eligible applicants are public entities with an emergency-response mandate (civil protection, national emergency agencies, coastguards, navies) and must provide a Member State Letter of Support, comply with strict security and ownership-control rules, and identify at least three pre-configured vessels with installation within 3 days and assured availability for about 10 years. Proposals must be submitted electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal, demonstrate technical maturity, coordination with Regional Cable Hubs, a sustainability plan for non‑eligible operational costs, and typically envisage up to 24 months duration.

What it funds

Grants for design, construction and deployment of modular submarine‑cable repair equipment and related preparatory works (module design and purchase, spare parts and repeaters, launch/recovery and cable‑handling systems, pre‑configuration of flat‑deck vessels, shoreside storage and handling, initial training and certification). Modules must be rapidly deployable to re‑establish cable service in declared emergency situations in the main EU sea basins (Mediterranean and Atlantic).

Scope highlights:Focus on modular, portable repair modules hosted in EU ports/shipyards; applicants must identify at least three pre‑configurable vessels and demonstrate coordination with the Regional Cable Hubs and compliance with EU digital/security requirements Call Document ¹

Who can apply

Eligible applicants are public legal entities with an emergency response mandate (civil protection, national emergency agencies, coastguards, military navies). Beneficiaries may subcontract operations and module deployment to third parties, but module use is restricted to emergency situations declared by competent authorities. Participation is limited to entities established in eligible countries; calls include ownership/control checks and may require national security guarantees for non‑EU controlled entities.

Budget and award

Available budget:Total estimated call budget €40,000,000; indicative project grant requests around €20,000,000 each (CEF budget‑based grants, up to 50% co‑funding).

1. 1Maximum call budget: €40,000,000 (2026)
2. 2Typical requested grant per project (indicative): €20,000,000
3. 3Funding rate: up to 50% of eligible costs

Key requirements & timeline

Proposals must:show adaptability, portability and scalability of repair modules; identify at least three flat‑deck vessels pre‑configurable within 3 days; include storage/installation rationale and SLA/lease evidence where vessels are third‑party owned; demonstrate coordination with Regional Cable Hubs and contribution to CPEI Area 8 criteria. Strict security and ownership/control rules apply; certain non‑EU controlled participants may be required to provide national guarantees to participate.

How to apply

Submit a single‑stage application electronically via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal using the required Part A/B forms and annexes (detailed budget per WP, Letter(s) of Support from Member State(s), security compliance declaration, ownership‑control declaration and other mandatory templates). Follow the call page for submission and Q&A Topic page.

Footnotes

1. 1Call document and full conditions are available from the HaDEA/CEF Digital call fiche: ec.europa.eu

Opportunity overview

Call title:Submarine Cable Repair Capacities - Works. Programme: Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital. Agency managing the call: European Health & Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA). Call opening date: 23 June 2026. Call deadline: 8 October 2026, 17:00 CEST. Submission: electronic only via the EU Funding & Tenders Portal submission system (single-stage submission). Estimated call budget: €40 000 000 for 2026. Target outcome: development, production-level deployment and operational readiness of modular repair equipment (repair modules) for submarine telecommunications cables to support emergency response and resilience in the main EU sea basins (Mediterranean and Atlantic) and to support CPEI Area 8 from the CPEI list. Expected grant size per project: around €20 000 000 (the call document indicates the requested grant amount is expected to be around €20 000 000 per project).

Purpose and objectives:This call aims to enhance emergency response capacities and resilience of backbone submarine cable networks by funding development and deployment of adaptable, modular repair equipment that can be hosted in ports/shipyards and installed on pre-configured flat-deck vessels within 3 days of vessel arrival, and the related operational capabilities to rapidly re-establish cable service in emergency situations declared by competent authorities (expected to be Regional Cable Hubs). Proposals must cover main EU sea basins, allow rapid deployment on existing vessels with minor adaptation, identify at least three pre-configured vessels, and demonstrate coordination with Regional Cable Hubs, governance, implantation phasing, allocation policies and financial planning. Projects should contribute to CPEI Area 8 of the EU Cable Toolbox and to specific CPEI criteria referenced in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/779.

Who can apply and eligible applicants

Eligible applicants:legal entities established in eligible countries. The call targets public entities entrusted with an emergency response mandate such as civil protection bodies, national emergency response agencies, coastguards and military navies. Each Member State benefiting from the project must provide a Letter of Support confirming the nature of the applicant and the emergency response mandate. Other entities (publicly or privately owned) may be subcontractors, operators of modules or other partners, but modules may be used only in emergency situations declared by the competent authority. Participation restrictions apply because the call is subject to ownership and control restrictions (security-sensitive infrastructure). See the call document for detailed eligible country list and ownership/control restrictions.

Eligible applicant types (detailed)

1. 1Public authorities and public bodies with an emergency response mandate (civil protection, national emergency response agencies, coastguards, military navies).
2. 2Publicly owned bodies validated as public bodies in the Participant Register (exempt from ownership-control declaration).
3. 3Beneficiaries may include affiliated entities (linked entities) that implement tasks and claim costs under the same eligibility rules and must be indicated in the application.
4. 4Private or public third parties may participate as subcontractors, associated partners, or operators of modules, but their participation is subject to security/ownership checks and restrictions in the call.
5. 5International organisations may participate where the call conditions permit; specific rules apply.

Funding mechanism and financial conditions

Funding type:EU action grant (budget-based actual cost grant). The grant is budget-based with eligible actual costs, unit costs and flat-rate/other elements as defined in the Model Grant Agreement (MGA) and Annex 2. Funding form: budget-based reimbursements of eligible costs (actual costs with potential unit cost/flat-rate elements where foreseen).

Maximum grant size and funding rate:Typical requested grant amount expected by the call: around €20 000 000 per project. Call-level budget: €40 000 000 (2026). Maximum co-funding rate for this topic: 50% of total eligible costs. The grant may cover up to 50% of eligible costs and beneficiaries must secure the remaining co-funding (own resources, other public or private funding).

Consortium and participation requirements

Consortium requirement:no specific minimum consortium composition imposed by the call (single-beneficiary proposals are possible if eligible). However, the call targets public emergency response entities as beneficiaries and requires Member State support via mandatory Letters of Support. Applicants must demonstrate coordination with the authority declaring the emergency (expected future Regional Cable Hubs). Beneficiaries may subcontract activities and module operation to third parties (public or private), but modules may only be used in declared emergency situations. Projects must identify at least three vessels that are or will be pre-configured to receive modules; for third-party vessel owners, lease or service-level agreements must guarantee availability for at least 10 years.

1. 1Consortium model: single beneficiary or multi-beneficiary. Coordinator role applies in multi-beneficiary grants.
2. 2Mandatory Member State Letter of Support confirming applicant status and emergency mandate for Member States benefiting from the project.
3. 3Applicants must register in the Participant Register; beneficiaries and affiliated entities will be validated by the Central Validation Service.
4. 4Ownership and control restrictions apply: participants may have to submit ownership control declarations and supporting documents; public bodies validated in the Participant Register are exempt from ownership-control declaration.

Geographic eligibility and scope of activities

Beneficiary scope (geographic eligibility):entity establishment must be in eligible countries. For this call, only EU Member States are eligible due to security reasons (see call specific eligibility section). Projects must be implemented in eligible countries; modules shall be hosted in shipyards or facilities within EU territory bordering the Mediterranean and Atlantic basins or in EU Outermost Regions. Activities funded: design, construction and purchase of repair modules (spares, repeaters, jointing tools, splicing lab, OTDRs, cable handling systems, launch/recovery systems, cranes/A-frames, ROVs), preparatory works (pre-configuration of vessels, shoreside equipment, storage/depots up to a specified share), initial training and certification for emergency repair teams. Note: operational costs and long-term maintenance of modules are NOT eligible under the CEF grant and applicants must show how these will be covered.

Mentioned countries:Explicitly mentioned region(s): EU Member States (Mediterranean and Atlantic main sea basins) and EU Outermost Regions. No specific Member States are singled out in the topic text; the call is limited to EU Member States due to security restrictions. The call document states eligible countries are EU Member States (note that some CEF calls can include associated third countries but this specific topic restricts to EU Member States). ¹

1. 1Main sea basins targeted: Mediterranean and Atlantic.
2. 2Host locations for modules: ports or shipyards within EU territory bordering the Mediterranean and Atlantic or EU Outermost Regions.

Target sectors, technologies and project stage

Target sector:digital infrastructure and telecoms (subsea telecommunications cable repair), cross-cutting with security, resilience and critical infrastructure protection. Technological focus includes mechanical and electro-optical repair module hardware, cable handling systems, jointing and splicing laboratories, testing and diagnostics (OTDR), launch and recovery systems (cranes, A-frames), ROVs or plough systems, storage logistics and shoreside handling equipment, and modular integration design enabling portability and rapid installation on pre-configured flat-deck vessels. Projects must meet strict digital security and supply-chain resilience requirements and address risk scenarios and mitigation measures identified in the EU Cable Toolbox and Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/779.

Project stage and maturity expected:Expected maturity: projects should demonstrate design, production-level deployment readiness and near-term operational capability. The call assesses maturity (readiness to start and complete within proposed timelines, contracting/authorisations, financial availability) and requires demonstration of phasing: design, production-level deployment, and operation. Proposals must show operational readiness including identification of at least three pre-configured vessels and storage/installation sites.

Application process and templates

Application type and submission method:single-stage open call. Applicants must submit proposals electronically via the Funding & Tenders Portal Submission System. Proposals must use the Portal Application Form Part A (online) and Part B (PDF template uploaded), and all mandatory annexes and templates available in the Submission System.

1. 1Application method: single-stage, one-step evaluation; apply via EU Funding & Tenders Portal.
2. 2Page limit for Part B: maximum 120 pages (Part B).
3. 3Submission files required (annex list): detailed budget table per work package (Excel), application form Part A and Part B, timetable/Gantt chart, letters of support/Member State agreements (mandatory), security compliance declaration(s), ownership control declaration(s), business plan financial spreadsheet, detailed budget per WP, timetable Gantt template and other supporting documents listed in the call.

Application templates and required annexes

Mandatory templates and documents to assemble and upload in the Submission System (as specified in the call document):

1. 1Application Form Part A (online) and Part B (PDF template to be downloaded from Portal, completed and re-uploaded).
2. 2Detailed budget table per Work Package (Excel annex; mandatory).
3. 3Business plan financial spreadsheet (Excel).
4. 4Timetable / Gantt chart (template available in Submission System).
5. 5Letter of support / Member State agreement from all Member States benefiting from the project (template provided; must confirm applicant status and emergency response mandate).
6. 6Security compliance declaration signed by each participating entity receiving funding for deployment of equipment and technologies (template provided).
7. 7Ownership control declaration (for beneficiaries and affiliated entities — template provided; public bodies validated in Participant Register are exempt).
8. 8List of previous projects and activity reports (templates provided) and other supporting documentation as indicated in the call.

All forms, templates and guidance (Application Form, detailed budget table, Letter of Support template, security compliance declaration, ownership control declaration, business plan spreadsheet, MGA templates) are available from the Funding & Tenders Portal Submission System and the call Topic page; applicants must use the forms provided inside the Submission System for official submission.

Evaluation, award criteria and process

Submission and evaluation:single-stage submission followed by one-step evaluation. Admissibility and eligibility checks are applied first. Eligible proposals are evaluated by independent experts and an evaluation committee. Grant preparation follows selection for award, including legal and financial checks and potential requests for clarifications or amendments. Invitation to grant preparation does not constitute a formal commitment to fund until the Grant Agreement is signed.

Award criteria and scoring:Award criteria (maximum total 25 points; individual and overall thresholds apply): Priority and urgency (5 points), Maturity (5 points), Quality (5 points), Impact (5 points), Catalytic effect (5 points). Minimum individual thresholds: 3/5 per criterion. Overall threshold: 15/25. Ranking tie-break rules prioritise Priority and urgency, then Maturity, Catalytic effect, Impact and Quality. The evaluation includes an operational capacity check as part of eligibility and award criteria assessments.

Indicative timetable:submission deadline 8 October 2026; evaluation October–November 2026; information on evaluation results winter 2026; grant agreement signature expected spring 2027. The call may fund at least one project per basin (Atlantic and Mediterranean) but the granting authority reserves the right not to award the full budget depending on proposals received.

Nature of support, costs eligible and co-funding requirements

Nature of support:direct financial support (grant) in the form of budget-based reimbursement of eligible costs. Beneficiaries receive money, not only non-monetary services. The grant does not cover operational and long-term maintenance costs of the modules; applicants must demonstrate how such costs will be covered outside the grant. VAT is not eligible. Land purchase is in principle ineligible except where explicitly allowed by call conditions (not foreseen here).

Co-funding and financial capacity:Co-funding requirement: maximum CEF co-funding rate 50% of eligible costs for this topic, therefore co-funding of the remaining costs is required from the beneficiary (own funds, other public or private funding). Applicants must demonstrate financial and operational capacity to implement the project and to cover non-eligible and post-project costs (operations and maintenance). Financial capacity checks will be performed during grant preparation; public bodies and entities requesting less than €60 000 may be exempt from some financial checks.

Application stages, timeline and evaluation phases

Number of application stages:1 submission stage (single-stage call). Evaluation phases in the independent evaluation process: individual remote evaluation, consensus phase among experts, panel review and ranking; grant preparation is a separate administrative stage after selection. The call document sets out an indicative timeline for evaluation and grant agreement signature.

Success rates and competition:Success rates: the call document does not publish historical success rates for this specific topic. The call budget is €40 000 000 and the typical requested grant amount per project is around €20 000 000; this suggests the call is expected to fund at least one project per sea basin. The granting authority reserves the right not to award funds if proposals do not meet thresholds.

Security, digital security and ownership/control conditions

This is a security-sensitive topic. All participating entities receiving funding for deployment of equipment and technologies must submit security compliance declarations demonstrating compliance with EU and national cybersecurity and supply-chain security requirements, including measures to avoid falling under non-eligible third-country jurisdiction obligations or influence, and ensuring results remain with the beneficiary during the project and for at least 10 years after completion. Proposals must address the EU Cable Risk Assessment and EU Cable Toolbox mitigation measures and contribute to specific CPEI criteria referenced in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/779.

Ownership and control checks (restricted-call procedure):Because participation is limited to EU Member States (this call is security-restricted), participants must complete ownership control declarations. The Central Validation Service (or the relevant EU service) will carry out an ownership control assessment (OCA) to verify whether entities are EU-controlled. Public bodies validated in the Participant Register are considered EU-controlled and are exempt from the declaration. Entities assessed as non-EU-controlled may be asked, where the call allows derogations, to provide national security guarantees approved by competent national authorities; failure to meet eligibility will require replacement or removal of the entity from the proposal and could lead to proposal rejection. See the Guidance on participation in EU restricted calls with ownership and control restrictions for procedure details.

Assessment and selection criteria emphasis — points to cover in proposals

Key areas evaluators will assess and that applicants must document in detail:the project's alignment with call objectives and geographic priority (sea basins), EU added value and CPEI contributions; maturity and readiness to deliver quickly (design, procurement status, authorisations, vessel pre-configuration and confirmed availability of at least three vessels, timelines and Gantt); technical quality and feasibility (module design, adaptability, portability, standards/specifications for vessel-module interfaces, safety and digital security measures including supply-chain resilience), implementation plan, governance, allocation policies, storage and installation locations; financial plan including co-funding sources and sustainability plan for operation & maintenance; training and certification for emergency repair teams; stakeholder coordination and confirmation of cooperation with authorities declaring emergencies (Regional Cable Hubs) and Member State Letters of Support; compliance with security requirements and ownership/control rules.

1. 1Demonstrate the adaptability, portability and scalability of the modular solution and exact specifications for module types and vessel compatibility.
2. 2Identify at least three pre-configured vessels and provide lease or service-level agreements guaranteeing vessel availability for at least 10 years (if third-party owned).
3. 3Provide a detailed implementation plan including design, production-level deployment, operation, governance, allocation and financial arrangements and rationale for storage and installation locations.
4. 4Demonstrate coordination with Regional Cable Hubs and other stakeholders and compliance with CPEI Area 8 and CPEI criteria in Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/779.
5. 5Provide security compliance declarations demonstrating compliance with EU and national cybersecurity requirements and measures to prevent unauthorized access or transfer of data or results.

Templates and practical application structure to prepare

Primary application structure and templates to collect and prepare (as required by the call and Submission System):

1. 1Application Form Part A (online): administrative details of coordinator, beneficiaries, affiliated entities, summary budget and declarations of compliance.
2. 2Application Form Part B (PDF template): technical description covering Project description, Priority and urgency (EU added value, synergies), Maturity (readiness, procurement and permitting status), Quality (cost effectiveness, governance, risk management, quality control), Impact (demand analysis, socio-economic analysis, environmental & digital security), Catalytic effect (financial gap and leverage), Work plan and Work Packages with deliverables and milestones, timetable/Gantt chart and annexes.
3. 3Detailed budget table per Work Package (Excel) with breakdown by beneficiary and reporting periods; must be consistent with online summary budget.
4. 4Business plan financial spreadsheet (Excel) to show financial analysis, discount rate, projected costs, revenues if any and sustainability assumptions.
5. 5Timetable / Gantt chart (template available) showing months from project start and Milestones/Deliverables schedule (Month 1 = project start).
6. 6Letter of Support / Member State Agreement template: signed by Member State contact confirming support and nature of applicant (public status and emergency mandate).
7. 7Security compliance declaration template for each beneficiary/affiliated entity (must be adapted to topic; mandatory for entities receiving funding for deployment).
8. 8Ownership control declaration template for beneficiaries and affiliated entities (mandatory, unless public body validated).

Project duration, milestones and outputs

Project duration:normally up to 24 months (extensions possible if justified and agreed by amendment). Projects must define milestones and deliverables that will be managed through the Portal Grant Management System and included in Grant Agreement Annex 1. Deliverables that are physical investments must include acceptance documentation (acceptance note, certificate of completion, handover certificate) as verification.

Key deliverables expected in proposals:Examples: module prototype and production design documentation, test reports and OTDR measurement validations, vessel pre-configuration certificates and installation readiness statements, storage/depot procurement or upgrade plans, signed vessel lease/SLA documents guaranteeing 10-year availability, training and certification records for emergency repair team, operation and deployment procedures, security compliance declarations, and Member State Letters of Support.

Risks, non-eligible costs and post-grant obligations

Risks and exclusions:the call has strict security and ownership-control requirements; failure to submit required declarations or supporting documents can render participants ineligible; non-compliance with security requirements may lead to suspension, termination or reduction of grants. Operational and maintenance costs of modules are not eligible under this CEF grant and must be covered by applicants via other funding sources. VAT and land purchases are generally ineligible unless specifically allowed in call conditions.

Post-grant obligations:Obligations include keeping records for the period defined in the Model Grant Agreement (record-keeping), complying with security commitments (results and equipment control for at least 10 years where indicated), allowing audits and checks by EU bodies, complying with communication & visibility rules, and ensuring the project’s results remain within the beneficiary and are not subject to undue third-country control.

How to prepare a strong application — practical recommendations

1. 1Start early: prepare ownership control documentation, Member State Letters of Support, vessel pre-configuration agreements and security declarations in advance.
2. 2Demonstrate operational readiness: identify and secure at least three pre-configured vessels, provide lease/SLA guaranteeing availability for at least 10 years, and include concrete pre-configuration plans or evidence of pre-configuration work done.
3. 3Provide detailed technical specifications and compatibility standards for modules and vessel interfaces and demonstrate adaptability, portability and scalability across vessel types and sea basin conditions.
4. 4Address digital security and supply-chain resilience clearly: map critical components, suppliers, risk scenarios and concrete mitigation measures in line with the EU Cable Toolbox and Commission Recommendation 2024/779 and national laws; include measures to avoid non-eligible third-country control or influence and to secure data and results.
5. 5Present a complete financial plan: include detailed budget per work package, business-plan financial spreadsheet with discount rate and sustainability scenario, co-funding sources and plans for covering O&M costs beyond the grant period.
6. 6Explain governance, allocation policies, operational procedures and responsible actors for emergency response coordination with Regional Cable Hubs and Member States; include training, certification and standard operating procedures for repairs.

Quick facts checklist

• Call identifier: CEF-DIG-2026
• Submission: single-stage, online via Funding & Tenders Portal
• Deadline: 8 October 2026 (17:00 CEST)
• Call budget: €40 000 000 (2026)
• Typical grant amount: around €20 000 000 per project
• Funding rate: up to 50% of eligible costs (co-funding required)
• Eligible applicants: public entities with emergency response mandates; Member State Letter of Support required
• Project duration: normally up to 24 months
• Minimum reference deliverable requirements: at least 3 pre-configured vessels, hosting port/shipyard capacity, storage location rationale, security and ownership-control documentation

For detailed legal, administrative and technical requirements, award criteria, templates and submission procedures consult the Call Document, Model Grant Agreement and the Submission System annex templates on the Funding & Tenders Portal. The call document and templates referenced above are authoritative and must be followed exactly for admissibility and eligibility.

Summary:This CEF-Digital call funds the design, deployment and operational readiness of modular repair capabilities for submarine telecommunications cables serving EU Member States in the Atlantic and Mediterranean sea basins. It targets public emergency-response entities (civil protection, national emergency agencies, coastguard, navies) and requires strong operational, technical and security evidence: identification of at least three vessels pre-configured to receive modules, port/shipyard hosting and installation arrangements, secure storage, supply-chain and cybersecurity controls in line with Commission recommendations and the EU Cable Toolbox, clear governance and coordination with authorities declaring emergencies (Regional Cable Hubs), a robust financial plan demonstrating co-funding and sustainability for operations beyond grant-funded investments, and compliance with ownership and control restrictions. The call is a single-stage, competitive grant process with an available budget of €40 million and typical project-level funding expected around €20 million, co-funded at up to 50%. Interested applicants must register and submit via the Funding & Tenders Portal and must include all call-mandatory annexes and security and ownership-control declarations. ¹

Footnotes

1. 1Call document and Topic page on the EU Funding & Tenders Portal provide full details, templates and legal conditions: ec.europa.eu

Key Facts at a Glance

Objective and Expected Impact

This call aims to enhance emergency response capacities and the resilience of backbone network infrastructures by supporting the development and deployment of adaptable repair modules for swift emergency repair operations. The primary goal is to enable quick response to incidents that could severely impact the Union or its Member States, ensuring digital sovereignty and strategic autonomy in main European sea basins ¹.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):Projects must deliver measurable KPIs including: quick response to emergency situations identified by Regional Cable Hubs; quick average estimated time-to-repair for cable systems in targeted EU sea basins; and increased operational repair capacity in main European sea basins ².

Who Should Apply (Eligibility)

This call targets **public entities with an emergency response mandate**. Eligible applicants include entities active in civil protection, national emergency response agencies, coastguards, and military navies. Private entities are not eligible as primary applicants but can be subcontracted for operation or activities ³.

1. 1Applicants must be public bodies established in eligible countries (EU Member States and associated countries).
2. 2A mandatory **Letter of Support** from the relevant Member State confirming the nature of the applicant is required.
3. 3Applicants must demonstrate compliance with strict digital security, ownership-control, and national approval requirements.

Scope and Technical Requirements

The call funds **modular equipment** for the repair of telecom submarine cables. Proposals must include adaptable repair modules deployable on existing vessels, specifically **flat-deck vessels** that can receive modules with minor adaptation. Applicants must identify at least **three pre-configured vessels** ready to receive the modules ⁴.

Critical Operational Constraints:Modules must be hosted in ports or shipyards capable of installing them on board ships within a **maximum of 3 days** from vessel arrival. For third-party vessels, applicants must provide lease or service level agreements guaranteeing availability for at least **10 years** (economic lifespan) ⁵.

Budget and Financial Aspects

The indicative available budget is **€40,000,000**. The standard co-funding rate for CEF Infrastructure Works is **50%**. Eligible costs include capital investments (modules, vessel pre-configuration), shoreside storage facilities, handling equipment (cranes, forklifts), and training for emergency repair teams (e.g., Universal Joint techniques) ⁶.

Strategic Context and Next Steps

This call is the second phase of a broader initiative following a pilot focused on the Baltic Sea. It aims to cover all main European sea basins to strengthen resilience against sabotage and technical failure. Proposals must demonstrate alignment with **CPEI Area 8** (Multipurpose vessel(s) and modular equipment stock) and relevant Commission Recommendations (EU) 2024/779 ⁷.

Applicants should consult the official call document for detailed digital security requirements and submit proposals electronically via the **Funding & Tenders Portal** before the deadline of 08 October 2026 ⁸.

Footnotes

1. 1European Commission, CEF-DIG-2026 Call Document, Objective Section.
2. 2European Commission, Expected Impact Section of CEF-DIG-2026.
3. 3Subsdy, Submarine Cable Repair Capacities – Pilot Works & Works Overview, Eligibility Criteria.
4. 4European Commission, Scope Section: Requirement for at least three pre-configured vessels.
5. 5European Commission, Scope Section: 3-day installation limit and 10-year vessel availability agreement.
6. 6EU Funding Portal, Call for proposals to support development of adaptable repair modules, Budget and Eligible Costs.
7. 7European Commission, CPEI List (February 2026) and Commission Recommendation (EU) 2024/779.
8. 8European Commission, Official Call Page: ec.europa.eu