The Polar Connect initiative, led by NORDUnet, is one of four successful initiatives being highlighted at a major event on European digital sovereignty efforts, hosted by European Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), the agency managing the implementation of the CEF Digital program on behalf of the European Commission.
Held in Brussels, the HaDEA Showcase Event 2026 aims to demonstrate the impact of EU-funded projects, also in relation to the EC policy priorities and negotiations on the next multiannual financial framework (MFF). Polar Connect will be joining 3 other initiatives in the panel Investing in Europe’s infrastructures for strategic autonomy, emphasizing how crucial it is to build resilient and innovative infrastructures that support European competitiveness and strategic autonomy. The event will be attended by leaders from industry, research, and EU institutions.
An important focus topic is the role of submarine cables in strengthening Europe’s strategic competitive leverage, connectivity, and global reach. The Polar Connect team will invite attendees to discuss and highlight how investments from the EU supports Europe’s infrastructures for strategic autonomy and competitive advantage. The Polar Connect initiative is promoting a submarine cable link between Europe and East Asia on a direct route east of Greenland, close to the geographical North Pole. At the HaDEA event, the Polar Connect initiative will join in panel discussion as well as host a project stand to facilitate networking and to showcase project results, in particular the route simulation and seabed surveys studies.
Arctic link to increase European resilience
The first phases of the Polar Connect initiative have received support from the European Commission’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) though a number of project grants.
“Polar Connect is a First-Of-A-Kind Initiative working to establish secure and resilient connectivity between Europe and East Asia across the Arctic Ocean on the shortest digital route. Thanks to CEF Digital co-funding we can perform the Arctic Ocean seabed surveys, further de-risk the early development stages, and lay the groundwork for future public-private investments in the Arctic route. Polar Connect is closing critical infrastructure gaps and preparing the ground for a truly resilient, global digital backbone for Europe — one that serves science, society, and our strategic digital autonomy,” says Ieva Muraškienė, Strategy and Policy Officer, NORDUnet, representing Polar Connect Initiative, participating in the EU Investment in digital infrastructure panel at the HaDEA event.
EU co-funding as a catalyst
The co-funding from EU has played a pivotal role as a catalyst for Polar Connect, enabling the project to move from vision to feasibility and de-risking studies.
Firstly, mapping the Arctic seabed to identify the safest and most efficient route has been initiated. Secondly, designing the submarine cable systems has begun. Thirdly, possible business and ownership models that will make the project attractive to investors and anchor tenants have been drawn up. And finally, fibre sensing technology capabilities for scientific monitoring have been explored. These results will be showcased at the project stand during the event.
The HaDEA (the European Commission’s European Health and Digital Executive Agency) Showcase Event 2026 is held in Brussels, January 19, 2026.
