Allies met today (30 December 2024) at NATO Headquarters to consult on the security of critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, following damage to undersea cables connecting Estonia and Finland on 25 December.
Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 Flagship, ESPS Almirante Juan de Borbon with oiler FGS Rhoen, transiting in the North Sea in vicinity of the Norwegian Oseberg oil and gas field.28 May 2024. © MARCOM / NATO
The damage to the cables, which is being investigated by Finnish authorities, is one of a number of recent incidents in the Baltic Sea under scrutiny as possible sabotage. Allies expressed full solidarity with Estonia and Finland in the wake of the recent incident. In order to maintain vigilance, increase situational awareness, and deter future incidents, NATO is enhancing its military presence in the Baltic Sea. Allies are also considering other measures to address potential threats to critical undersea infrastructure, including with the support of NATO's Maritime Centre for Security of Critical Undersea Infrastructure that was established in May of this year.
