ANACOM represented at Submarine Networks EMEA 2026

Sandra Maximiano and Manuel Cabugueira, Chairwoman and Member of the Board of Directors of ANACOM, took part in the Submarine Networks EMEA 2026 https://www.terrapinn.com/conference/submarine-networks-world-europe/, one of the leading international events dedicated to submarine networks and global digital connectivity, held in London on 26 May 2026.

The meeting brought together regulators, operators, technology companies, international organisations and sector experts to discuss the challenges associated with the resilience, security and development of submarine digital infrastructure, in a context marked by the growth of artificial intelligence, cloud platforms and geopolitical tensions.

In the opening session, Sandra Maximiano delivered a keynote speech entitled "Resilient Connectivity in a Changing World", in which she underlined the strategic importance of submarine cables as critical infrastructure essential to the functioning of digital economies and societies.

The Chairwoman of ANACOM also highlighted Portugal's strategic positioning as an Atlantic connectivity hub, noting that around 75% of North Atlantic submarine cables pass through the Portuguese Exclusive Economic Zone. She presented the work of the International Advisory Body on Submarine Cable Resilience, which she co-chairs and which is jointly promoted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC).

In the same context, she referred to the outcomes of the Porto Summit on Submarine Cable Resilience, held in February this year, including the adoption of the Porto Declaration and international recommendations aimed at accelerating repair processes, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and promoting greater diversity and resilience in submarine cable networks.

For his part, Manuel Cabugueira took part in the panel "Europe: The Evolution of Policy and Regulation", dedicated to the evolution of public policies and European regulation applicable to submarine infrastructure.

The discussion focused on:

• new European and national strategic guidelines for the sector;
• the impact of regulatory decisions on infrastructure development;
• the evolution of digital regulation in the context of artificial intelligence;
• challenges related to cybersecurity and network resilience.

In his intervention, Manuel Cabugueira highlighted Portugal's strategic relevance as an Atlantic platform for connectivity between Europe, Africa and the Americas, as well as the growing role of submarine cables as essential infrastructure for data, computing and artificial intelligence.

He also emphasised the potential of next-generation smart cables, equipped with sensors for climate monitoring, early warning of natural events, and support for the blue economy.

ANACOM's participation in this event reinforced Portugal's position and that of the national regulatory authority in international discussions on the security, resilience and governance of critical digital infrastructure.