Helsinki – The European Commission has unveiled an action plan aimed at addressing cable breaks at sea, which includes enhanced monitoring, expedited repairs, and stricter accountability measures for those responsible.
“We have observed that nearly anything can be weaponized against us, and we cannot allow this to happen,” stated EU Commissioner Henna Virkkunen during a press conference in Helsinki, alongside her colleagues Andrius Kubilius and Magnus Brunner.
This announcement comes in the wake of yet another cable break, as reported by the Coast Guard, which confirmed that damage occurred in the Swedish economic zone, affecting a cable linking Germany and Finland.
The comprehensive plan encompasses initiatives such as mapping cable locations, enhancing monitoring through underwater sensors and drones, establishing a dedicated repair fleet, and maintaining a reserve of spare parts.
While the plan is designed for implementation across the EU, the Commission aims to establish a specialized regional security center focused on the Baltic Sea.
Additionally, the strategy includes preventive “cable diplomacy” and measures targeting the “shadow fleet” of vessels that Russia allegedly employs to bypass sanctions related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. There will be a thorough review of international maritime law to determine possible actions against these vessels, their owners, and their cargoes.
“This poses a significant threat to both our security and our environment,” emphasized Virkkunen in Helsinki.
(February 21)
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