Press release
Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition: Investment in digital infrastructure strengthens digital autonomy and the Netherlands’ future earning capacity
Den Haag, 22 – 09 – 2026 – Het kabinet investeert 18 miljoen in onderzoek naar nieuwe zeekabelverbindingen voor Nederland. Hierdoor wordt het eenvoudiger om nieuwe internationale digitale verbindingen naar Nederland te halen, zoals een arctische verbinding tussen Europa en Japan.
The Hague, 22 September 2026 – The Dutch government is investing €18 million in research into new subsea cable connections for the Netherlands. This will make it easier to establish new international digital connections to the Netherlands, such as an Arctic route linking Europe and Japan.
The Dutch Subsea Cable Coalition welcomes this investment as a positive signal and an important milestone in the further development of the Netherlands’ digital infrastructure. Earlier this year, the House of Representatives adopted an amendment that paved the way for this investment.
The €18 million will be used for seabed and route surveys to explore a potential Dutch connection to the subsea data cable linking the Netherlands and Japan via the Arctic. The surveys will map the potential route and the seabed. Their findings will provide insight into the technical and spatial feasibility of the connection and deliver the knowledge needed for its further design and preparation.
Greater diversity in international connections
International subsea cables form the backbone of global data traffic, carrying approximately 98% of it. Thanks to its digital infrastructure, the Netherlands has established a strong position as an international digital hub.
To maintain this position and safeguard foreign investment, innovation and future earning capacity, the Netherlands must continue to invest in international digital connectivity. Greater diversity in international connections contributes to a resilient digital infrastructure and creates opportunities for further growth of the digital economy. In addition, geopolitical tensions are making it increasingly important for the Netherlands to retain control over this infrastructure. This will help strengthen our digital autonomy.
Peter van Burgel, CEO of AMS-IX, one of the world’s largest internet exchanges, emphasises the importance of this investment for the Netherlands:
“International connectivity is a key pillar of the Dutch digital economy, but our position cannot be taken for granted. A significant part of the existing subsea cable infrastructure is ageing, while other countries are investing heavily in new connections.”
Following the research, further investment and cooperation between public, private and international stakeholders will be needed to realise this international subsea cable connection.
