Sweden’s authorities are closely examining the suspected sabotage of an essential undersea telecom cable in the Baltic Sea, operated by the Finnish company, Cinia. The investigation commenced after it was discovered that the Cinia C-Lion1 fibre-optic link had sustained damage. This connection is key, linking Finland and Germany via undersea routes.
The incident occurred within Sweden’s economic zone, which led to the Swedish police taking responsibility for the investigation. According to the Swedish news agency Göteborgs-Posten, the cable continues to operate despite the destruction, with the exact details still under scrutiny.
In light of this, the Swedish Coast Guard dispatched a vessel to monitor the area. This region has witnessed multiple incidents involving undersea cable damage lately, marking this as the third incident specifically impacting the Cinia C-Lion1 cable. Interestingly, previous damage instances were classified as accidental.
The European Commission (EC) has promptly reacted by launching a plan titled “Joint Communication to strengthen the security and resilience of submarine cables.” This initiative seeks to bolster measures around prevention, detection, response, recovery, and deterrence.
A significant investment of nearly €1 billion is earmarked to secure these undersea infrastructures, enhancing surveillance efforts in the Baltic Sea region. This plan includes €420 million already dispersed across 51 backbone connectivity projects. Furthermore, €35.6 million has been invested in eight select submarine data cables in both the Atlantic and the Nordic regions, inclusive of the Baltic. Additionally, €540 million will be dedicated by 2027 to bolster digital infrastructure projects, particularly focusing on strategic cable initiatives of European importance.
Communication cables are crucial as they manage 99% of intercontinental internet traffic. Knowing this, the European Commission is investing in ensuring these resources can withstand attacks or accidents.
Henna Virkkunen, the Executive Vice President for Technological Sovereignty, Security, and Democracy at the Commission, highlighted the European Union’s objectives. “We want to ensure that Europe has the tools not only to prevent and detect sabotage of cables, but also to proactively prevent, repair, and respond to any threats to the vital infrastructure that is central to our economy and collective security,” she stated in a recent announcement.
Additionally, Magnus Brunner, Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration, emphasized collaboration between the Commission and EU agencies with Member States. “The Action Plan for Better Security of Submarine Cables will strengthen our capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to emerging hybrid threats,” he added.
