STOCKHOLM — On Friday, Swedish officials announced an investigation into a damaged undersea cable found in the Baltic Sea. This incident adds to a growing list of similar occurrences involving severed subaqueous cables, sparking increasing concerns regarding potential Russian sabotage and espionage in the area.
The damaged cable, which connects Germany and Finland, was identified off the coast of Gotland, situated south of Stockholm within Sweden’s economic zone, as reported by the news agency TT. In response, the Coast Guard has dispatched resources to the location for further examination.
According to a statement from the Swedish police, a preliminary inquiry into possible sabotage has been initiated; however, they noted that no additional details are available at this moment.
Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasized on the social media platform X that the government is taking all reports regarding damage to infrastructure in the Baltic Sea very seriously.
Last month, authorities came across damage to another undersea fiber-optic cable that links the Latvian city of Ventspils with Sweden’s Gotland. A vessel associated with a Bulgarian shipping company was detained but subsequently released once Swedish prosecutors dismissed initial allegations of sabotage as the cause of the damage.
In response to these incidents, the European Commission unveiled essential measures aimed at enhancing the protection of underwater cables across its territory. These initiatives include bolstering security requirements and conducting comprehensive risk assessments while prioritizing funding for new, advanced cables.
The Commission intends to improve threat-monitoring capabilities in both the Mediterranean and Baltic seas, facilitating a quicker and more effective response to any issues. Additionally, sanctions and diplomatic efforts will be pursued against “hostile actors,” as outlined in the Commission’s documentation. These measures are set to be progressively implemented in 2025 and 2026, augmenting actions already taken by NATO and EU member states.
The provided undersea communication cables are integral for connecting EU countries with each other, linking islands to the mainland, and allowing the EU to connect globally. They play a critical role, carrying 99% of inter-continental internet traffic.
Furthermore, undersea electricity cables support the integration of power supplies among EU members, strengthening overall security. The Commission highlighted that recent incidents pose risks of significant disruptions to essential services and functions within the EU, directly impacting the everyday lives of its citizens.
