Evolving threats to critical undersea infrastructure

Implications for European security and resilience

Henri van Soest, James Black, Harper Fine, Lucia Retter

Expert InsightsPublished Jun 11, 2025

This Perspective examines the vulnerability of critical undersea infrastructure (CUI) to both natural and human-induced threats, as evidenced by recent high-profile disruptions. It serves as an introduction for those unfamiliar with CUI, providing an overview of various infrastructure types and their essential roles in supporting Europe's economy and security. It examines the growing dependency on CUI amid the digital and green transitions, along with the implications for European nations, the EU, and NATO. It also reviews initiatives aimed at protecting CUI and suggests areas for further policy action. This perspective builds on previous RAND Europe research on managing the complex risks and governance challenges associated with Europe's CUI.

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van Soest, Henri, James Black, Harper Fine, and Lucia Retter, Evolving threats to critical undersea infrastructure: Implications for European security and resilience. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 2025. https://www.rand.org/pubs/perspectives/PEA3800-1.html.
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This work was conducted by the Defense, Security, and Justice Program within RAND Europe.

This publication is part of the RAND expert insights series. The expert insights series presents perspectives on timely policy issues.

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