The European Union is evaluating next-generation submarine cable projects that will pass through the Arctic to make the internet connection between Europe and Asia more secure. As part of the initiative called "Polar Connect," two different routes are on the table: one proceeding through Canada's Northwest Passage, and the other starting from Scandinavia and passing directly under the North Pole.
Red Sea Attacks Accelerated New Searches
Behind the EU's new orientation are the geopolitical crises experienced in the Middle East in recent years. Today, approximately 90 percent of internet traffic between Europe and Asia passes through the narrow choke points in and around the Red Sea. Attacks and cable breaks in the region have once again highlighted how fragile the global communication infrastructure is.
The process gained momentum in 2024 after Houthi forces struck a ship sailing in the Red Sea with a missile. Following the attack in the narrow strait between Yemen and Djibouti, the anchor of the out-of-control ship severed three internet cables on the seabed. A similar incident occurred again in September 2025, requiring months of diplomatic negotiations for cable repairs.
Following these developments, some operators considered diverting the route to the Persian Gulf, but tensions between the US and Iran created a new area of risk.
Europe's Options Are Limited
For the EU, existing alternatives largely pass through the US or Russia. However, Europe does not want to remain dependent on critical data infrastructure passing through regions controlled by other countries. For this reason, the North Pole route is seen as a more politically independent option.
Nevertheless, the Polar Connect project faces serious technical obstacles. Among the biggest problems are sea ice and giant icebergs. These structures pose a risk of damaging cables by rubbing against the seabed. Furthermore, there is currently no special ice-breaking cable-laying vessel capable of directly laying cables in icy waters. Therefore, operations either need to be carried out with multiple vessels or a completely new ice-breaking cable-laying vessel needs to be developed.
Maintenance costs are another factor complicating the project. Due to Arctic conditions, intervention times for potential faults could take months. This both increases operating costs and carries the risk of prolonged outages.
On the other hand, the goal of the Polar Connect project is to make the line active by 2030. However, experts believe that the harsh environmental conditions of the Arctic could directly affect the timeline.
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