Defending Undersea Cables: Finland's Call to NATO and EU

Finland has expressed serious concerns about the vulnerability of undersea internet cables connecting Europe. Following an incident where a cable connecting Santahamina, near Helsinki, to Rostock, Germany, was damaged, Defense Minister Antti Häkkänen emphasized the need for greater protection from potential threats. "Both NATO and the EU need to step up their efforts in safeguarding these crucial networks, " he told POLITICO after a meeting in Brussels. This urgent call comes amid rising worries that Russia might engage in harmful activities within Europe, targeting critical infrastructure. Häkkänen highlighted that the issue was discussed during the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting, stressing the importance of defending against hybrid threats. The incident has spurred political concern in both Berlin and Helsinki, underscoring the broader implications of such attacks. Ensuring the security of these undersea cables is paramount, as they form the backbone of modern communication and data transfer across the continent.