EU: Action Plan on Cable Security

On 21 February 2025, the European Commission and High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy presented a Joint Communication to the European Parliament and the Council, entitled, EU Action Plan on Cable Security, with the objective of strengthening the security and resilience of submarine cables. Actions across the target areas will be of interest to ocean governance, including, for example deterrence measures against ‘shadow fleet’ vessels or other ‘vessels of interest’ and launching “a reflection at international level on how to make full use of the International Law of the Sea Framework to enhance the security of submarine cables”, including the possible establishment of “a common understanding of relevant provisions of the International law of the sea enabling Member States, as coastal and flag States, to more effectively protect critical infrastructure and take action in relation to the shadow fleet of vessels and any vessels of interests operating on the high seas. In particular, the legal framework for interception or boarding of vessels representing risks for the EU should be carefully assessed, in full compliance with United Nation Conventions on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)” (p. 16).