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Advisor(s)
Abstract(s)
With its unique geographical position, Portugal is a pivotal player in the global digital connectivity landscape. This issue is primarily due to its strategic location and the substantial presence of critical submarine cables. Legal protection and monitoring of these cables is fundamental to national security, digital sovereignty, and the coun-try’s economy.
The significance of submarine cables in global communication is undeniable. These cables, which carry over 98 per cent of global intercontinental communications, are critical infrastructure for energy, health, defence, transport and finance. With numer-ous cables docking and crossing its continental shelf, Portugal’s geographical location is a central hub for digital interconnectivity.
Following EU Directives 2022/2555 and 2022/2557 and the revised 2023 EU Mari-time Security Strategy, submarine cables must be considered critical national infra-structure, with enhanced protection and state monitoring. A new international agree-ment is proposed to criminalise malicious or reckless disruption of cables, addressing the limitations of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
Coastal states – including Portugal – should take active jurisdiction within their exclu-sive economic zone and continental shelf to monitor, protect and regulate cables. This issue encompasses environmental and seismic factors. However, safeguarding submarine cables is not solely a national duty. International cooperation is essential. NATO, the European Union and South-east Asian nations have led this effort. They have been enhancing protection, surveillance and collaborative measures to defend cables against hybrid threats and sabotage, ensuring the resilience of global digital connectivity.
In summary, a medium-term national action plan is proposed to position Portugal as a global hub of digital interconnectivity. This plan includes creating a centre of excel-lence for cable resilience, diplomatic promotion, attracting investment in data centres and strengthening naval surveillance and cybersecurity. The medium-term strategic objectives include reinforcing digital sovereignty, attracting technological investment, and establishing Portugal as an international leader in maritime security and digital infrastructure.
Description
ORCID - 0000-0002-9569-4281
Keywords
Digital Gateway International Law National Defence Portugal Submarine Cables