Open CEF Digital Calls for Proposals on Submarine Cables and Global Digital Corridors
ZAGREB, 19 March 2026 - Under the European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) Digital programme, two new calls for proposals have been launched 17 March 2026, with a submission deadline of 30 June 2026.
The calls are aimed at the development and enhancement of digital infrastructure, with a particular focus on submarine cables and international connectivity.
Equipment for smart European cable systems
(CEF-DIG-2026-SMART-CABLES)
Total budget: €20 million
This call is aimed at upgrading existing submarine cable systems so that they become so-called “smart cables”.
The following will be funded:
• the installation of new equipment on existing cables
• the upgrade of existing equipment
• the deployment of sensors on cables or in their immediate vicinity
The objective is to enable additional functionalities, including applications in areas such as:
• the protection of critical infrastructure
• scientific research
• civil protection
• environmental monitoring
Backbone connectivity for Digital Global Gateways
(CEF-DIG-2026-GATEWAYS)
Total budget: €180 million (studies and works)
The objective of this call is to strengthen international and cross-border connectivity through:
• the development of backbone networks between Member States
• the connection of Member States with third countries
• connectivity with islands and remote areas
Maximum funding amounts:
• Studies: up to €5 million
• Works: up to €20 million (exceptionally up to €60 million)
Co-Financing Rates:
• Works: 30% (up to 50% for projects with a strong cross-border dimension)
• Most remote regions: up to 70%
• Studies: 50%
Information Day
An information day for both calls will be held on 26 March 2026, organised by the European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), which is responsible for implementing the CEF Digital programme: CEF-Digital Info Session: 2026 Calls - European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA).
The “Smart Cable Systems” call is particularly relevant for operators managing existing submarine cable infrastructure, while the “Global Gateways” call provides opportunities for international connectivity projects and strategic partnerships.
For additional information please contact:
Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM)
- Roberta Frangeša-Mihanovića 9 Street
- 10110 Zagreb, Croatia
- Tel. + 385 (0) 1 700 70 07
- Fax + 385 (0)1 700 70 70
Media inquiries can be submitted online using HAKOM’s official website: www.hakom.hr
About Hakom
HAKOM - Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries – ensures preconditions for a fair market competition, stable growth and environment for innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market. HAKOM protects users’ interests and the possibility of choice among various communications and postal services at affordable prices, defines sustainable competitive conditions for operators and service providers under fair conditions for return on investment, and provides support to economic growth, public services and the quality of life in the Republic of Croatia by using modern technologies. HAKOM’ strategic goals are: to promote regulation of the electronic communications and postal services market, to support growth of investments and innovations in the electronic communications and postal services market, to provide efficient use of limited resources, to accelerate the growth of broadband products and services, to provide affordable offers of communications and postal services, to provide protection and informing of users, to build an efficient and comprehensive information system, to define and implement efficient processes, and to acquire multi-disciplinary expertise in market regulation.