Global Gateway Forum: EU for strategic expansion of the Medusa Submarine Cable System to the Middle East

The strategic expansion of the Medusa Submarine Cable System is key for further enhancing connectivity in the Mediterranean. At today's panel discussion organised by the European Commission's Directorate-General for the Middle East, North Africa and Gulf (DG MENA) at the Global Gateway Forum, this objective was confirmed. The EU reaffirmed its commitment to support both Medusa's ongoing development and its expansion most notably to the Middle East.

The Medusa Submarine Cable System, owned by AFR-IX telecom and with a projected cost of €342 million, is the landmark digital infrastructure initiative, with 8700 km of high-speed internet cable being deployed across the Mediterranean. Medusa will directly interconnect the Northern and Southern shores of the Mediterranean, providing a high-capacity, multi-country, future-proof optical fibre submarine cable.

Through this programme, almost 500 education and research establishments in North Africa will be provided with improved connection to EU National Research and Education Networks (NRENs). Via funds to the European Investment Bank (EIB), the EU connects research centres in the Southern Neighbourhood and via funds to GÉANT, the European National Research and Education Networks, it increases the capacity of NRENs. Through the Connecting Europe Facility, the EU supports the deployment of the submarine cables.

Today, DG MENA gathered representatives of AFR-IX, EU Member States, partner countries, banks and private sector to discuss possible strategic expansion of Medusa, focusing on digital connectivity to Jordan, and the broader Middle East. The session served for stakeholders to identify concrete investment opportunities in the digital sector, to enhance existing partnerships and work together for the future of the Mediterranean.

The European Commissioner for the Mediterranean, Dubravka Šuica, said: "The Mediterranean has always been a sea of connection - for thousands of years, people and goods have crossed its waters. Today, a new link binds us together beneath the surface: submarine cables. The Medusa system is a remarkable example of how innovation can bridge distances, delivering high-quality internet to communities, schools, and research institutions across the region. In a rapidly changing world, Medusa ensures that no one is left behind - not even in the digital realm."

Background

Medusa Submarine Cable System

The digital markets in the MENA region have been rapidly evolving but, disparities in internet access and speed remain, due to regulatory hurdles, limited infrastructure, and broader political and economic challenges. On the other hand, opportunities can be found in the expansion of fibre-optic infrastructure, and government-backed digital transformation initiatives.

With a projected cost of €342 million, including an DG MENA's contribution of €40 million, the Medusa optical fibre submarine cable is crucial in meeting the growing demand for high-speed data traffic, as submarine cables support 98% of global internet traffic. The landing points of the cable include:

• Northern Mediterranean: Lisbon (Portugal), Barcelona and Zahara (Spain), Marseille (France), Mazara del Vallo (Italy), Yeroskipou (Cyprus), and Tympaki (Greece);
• Southern Mediterranean: Nador and Tétouan (Morocco), Algiers and Collo (Algeria), Bizerte (Tunisia), Tripoli and Benghazi (Libya), and Port Said (Egypt).

Global Gateway Forum

The Global Gateway Forum brings together an assembly of leaders from the European Union and across the globe, alongside key stakeholders from the private sector, civil society, thought leaders, financial institutions, and international organisations to promote global investment in infrastructure - hard and soft - to deliver on the SDGs and sustainable growth and resilience worldwide.

Global Gateway

Global Gateway is the EU's positive offer to reduce the worldwide investment disparity and boost smart, clean and secure connections in digital, energy and transport sectors, and to strengthen health, education and research systems.

The Global Gateway strategy embodies a Team Europe approach that brings together the European Union, EU Member States, and European development finance institutions. Together, we aim to mobilise up to €300 billion in public and private investments from 2021 to 2027, creating essential links rather than dependencies, and closing the global investment gap.

For More Information

• Global Gateway Forum 2025
• Global Gateway
• Medusa Submarine Cable System