Germany and Finland have launched a joint investigation into the damage to an undersea communication cable connecting their territories. The incident has raised serious concerns amid tense relations with Russia.
This was reported by the press service of the Finnish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen issued a statement emphasizing the importance of protecting critical infrastructure.
"The fact that such an incident immediately raises suspicions of intentional damage speaks volumes about the volatility of our times," they noted.
The ministers also highlighted that European security faces threats not only due to the war in Ukraine but also through hybrid attacks. They stressed the need to strengthen the protection of strategically important objects.
Tensions in the region have persisted since 2022, when Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. The incident in the Baltic Sea further underscores the fragility of modern security.
The C-Lion1 undersea cable, connecting Finland and Germany across the Baltic Sea, has been damaged. Communication has been interrupted, and the cause of the incident is currently unknown.
The company has reported the commencement of repairs, which may take 5–15 days. The 1,173 km-long cable, linking Helsinki and Rostock, has been in operation since 2016 as the only direct route between Finland and Central Europe.
Damage has also been found to a cable between Lithuania and Sweden in the Baltic Sea. The incident occurred on Sunday morning around 10:00.
