The European Union has announced new measures to boost security in the Baltic Sea, following another cable break off the coast of Sweden. The latest incident marks the third time this year that the C-Lion1, a major telecommunications line, has been damaged.
In response, the bloc’s executive arm, the European Commission, has vowed to increase security and threat-detection in the region over the next two years. The measures prioritize funding for new cables, strengthened enforcement of sanctions, and diplomatic measures against “hostile actors” and their “shadow fleet”.
NATO has also increased its military presence in the area with a new patrol and surveillance operation called Baltic Sentry, aimed at protecting infrastructure in the sea.
The incident comes amid growing concerns that Russia is using sabotage to retaliate against NATO countries that have supported Ukraine. Analysts say that if Russia is behind the incidents, it would be an escalation in Moscow’s conflict with the West.
Sweden has opened a preliminary investigation into the damage and is working closely with other authorities to determine the cause of the break. The country’s Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson has expressed concern over the incident and vowed to take all reports seriously.
The European Commission’s Henna Virkkunen emphasized the need for proactive measures to prevent, detect, and respond to threats to critical infrastructure. The bloc is taking “decisive action” to protect its underwater cables, which carry internet traffic and transmit electricity.
The incidents highlight the vulnerability of Europe’s undersea infrastructure and the growing tensions between Russia and NATO. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear what caused the latest cable break, but officials are urging caution and vigilance in the face of escalating threats.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/world/europe/baltic-sea-cable-sweden.html