Why secure connectivity is now a core pillar of defence

Secure connectivity is critical to Europe’s defence capabilities and resilience and should be treated as a strategic priority, according to a new report by Vodafone. The report, Europe’s digital backbone: why secure connectivity is now a core pillar of defence, shows that Europe’s security is inextricably linked to the security of its connectivity – and why Europe must now respond with accelerated investment and innovation-friendly frameworks.

Connectivity is critical to essential national services such as hospitals, energy grids, transport infrastructure, logistics chains and financial markets – and now also to the command and control systems of the armed forces. If this infrastructure is disrupted or compromised, the impact can extend far beyond individual sectors, jeopardising both economic stability and defence readiness. The Vodafone report warns that policymakers often view connectivity merely as a commodity – rather than a central pillar of European security and resilience. Critical investments continue to be delayed or underfunded, and cooperation in the event of a crisis remains inconsistent, with fragmented responsibilities between civil and military authorities.

Joakim Reiter, Vodafone Group Chief Corporate & External Affairs Officer, says: “Europe’s security today is inextricably linked to the security of its connectivity. However, if Europe continues to treat connectivity as a simple, low-cost utility, it exposes its citizens, democratic institutions and allies to increasing risks. Addressing these challenges requires an investment- and innovation-friendly framework, underpinned by coherent and consistent policies. Europe has a choice – it can prioritise connectivity as a central component of its security, thereby strengthening one of its most important lines of defence against modern warfare.”

The war in Ukraine shows that military conflicts can put connectivity under enormous pressure. But when it holds up, it significantly strengthens a country’s ability to defend itself. The conflict has made it clear that digital networks are strategic assets – they not only support security, but also play a role in defending against hybrid and electronic warfare.

To strengthen the role of telecommunications in securing Europe’s prosperity and security, Vodafone is presenting five key policy recommendations:

• Recognition of secure connectivity as a strategic security asset – and corresponding consideration in national security strategies, EU and NATO planning, and military capabilities.
• Establish permanent, trusted cooperation mechanisms between governments, network operators and allies to coordinate crisis responses, share information, protect undersea, satellite and cyber systems, and strengthen cross-border resilience at the pan-European level.
• Closing investment gaps in critical digital infrastructure where markets alone cannot ensure the necessary resilience and redundancy. Europe must use targeted incentives and harmonised policies – including the upcoming Digital Networks Act – to protect and strengthen networks.
• Pursuing strategic openness through partnerships with trusted allies such as the United Kingdom to jointly develop critical technologies and align standards that strengthen Europe’s security and technological sovereignty.
• Investing in digital inclusion and literacy to empower citizens to deal with disinformation and promote trust in democratic institutions – a crucial factor for societal resilience.

This approach enables Europe to strategically leverage its dense and robust networks – to deter adversaries, support allies and protect the security and prosperity of its citizens.