North-West Atlantic Iberian Ring - Atlantic Arc

ongoing

The Atlantic corridor, linking France, Spain, and Portugal, is a key route for Europe’s digital connections but currently lacks a dedicated terrestrial high-capacity network. Existing routes are vulnerable to congestion and failures, limiting competitiveness and exposing the region to risks. At the same time, many rural and coastal areas remain underserved, widening the digital divide and restricting equal access to modern digital services. This action will prepare the ground for a new terrestrial fibre optic backbone of nearly 2,000 km, connecting major Atlantic cities from France to Portugal. In addition to these urban centres, the studies will also explore extensions into surrounding rural areas to ensure more inclusive and equitable connectivity. Technical mapping, environmental and regulatory assessments, and socioeconomic analyses will ensure the future network is feasible, sustainable, and aligned with European priorities. The studies will design a robust network architecture, including interconnection nodes and links to international cable landing stations, ensuring high-capacity, low-latency, and secure digital connections. They will also deliver a roadmap with detailed specifications, costs, and deployment strategies, supporting transparent planning and broad stakeholder engagement. The action will bring lasting benefits for citizens, businesses, and institutions. It will strengthen Europe’s role as a global data hub, provide redundancy to existing marine cables, and deliver fast, reliable connectivity to underserved regions. With efficient construction methods, and integration with renewable energy, the project will combine sustainability with innovation. The result will be a future-proof digital corridor that enhances resilience, competitiveness, and inclusion across the Atlantic region.