A critical failure occurred in the C-Lion1 submarine cable linking Finland to Germany, with the breakage suspected to involve external interference. Located in the Baltic Sea, the cable’s severance has raised concerns about potential sabotage, especially following similar incidents in the area. Finnish and German officials expressed alarm over threats to European security and emphasized the need to protect vital submarine infrastructure, which is crucial for global communication and technological sovereignty.
In the early hours of Monday, November 18, a critical “failure” was identified in the C-Lion1 submarine cable, which links Finland to Germany. “The specifics surrounding the failure remain unclear and are currently under investigation,” reported Cinia, the Finnish telecom operator responsible for this vital infrastructure.
This cable was severed in the Baltic Sea, specifically within the Swedish exclusive economic zone, located east of Öland’s southern tip, approximately 700 km from Helsinki, Finland’s capital. Prompt actions have been taken, and a repair vessel is en route to the affected area.
Cinia noted that “the typical repair duration for submarine cables ranges from 5 to 15 days,” but expressed confidence in the resilience of their network. The operator emphasized in a statement that “Finland’s international telecommunications are routed through various pathways” and do not rely solely on one cable.
Suspicion of Sabotage in the Region
Initiated in 2016, the C-Lion1 cable stretches 1,173 km, connecting Central Europe’s telecommunications networks to Finland and other Nordic nations. “At this point, we cannot determine the cause for the cable’s breakage, but such incidents in these waters typically suggest external interference,” Cinia clarified.
Is Finland facing repercussions due to its NATO membership? The notion of sabotage lingers in the air. Shortly after the incident, the Swedish operator Telia reported the severing of yet another submarine telecommunications cable, this one linking Lithuania to Sweden, in the same vicinity of the Baltic Sea. “Both cables intersect within a mere 10 square meters,” a spokesperson from Telia commented.
The Baltic Sea has witnessed various “incidents” recently. In September 2022, the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline, which connects Russia to Germany, suffered an explosion. This event occurred shortly after the onset of the war between Russia and Ukraine, leading to mutual accusations without conclusive evidence.
A year later, another submarine gas pipeline between Finland and Estonia faced shutdown due to damage inflicted by an anchor from a Chinese cargo vessel. The nature of this damage—whether accidental or deliberate—remains undetermined.
The Importance of Protecting Submarine Cables
Current suspicions are aimed at Russia. In a joint statement, Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock and Finland’s Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen expressed their “deep concern.” They remarked, “The immediate suspicion of intentional harm following such an incident is indicative of the instability of our era.”
The two ministers emphasized that “our European security is jeopardized not only by Russia’s aggressive actions against Ukraine but also by a hybrid war waged by nefarious actors. Safeguarding our essential infrastructures is imperative for our security and the resilience of our societies.”
As “crucial arteries” for global internet communication, submarine cables are attractive targets for espionage or sabotage. In February, the European Commission urged member states to assess potential risks and incorporate the protection of submarine communication infrastructures within their national cybersecurity strategies.
Furthermore, submarine fiber optic cables also raise concerns regarding technological sovereignty. Recently, the French government acquired Alcatel Submarine Networks, a subsidiary of Nokia that specializes in the manufacture and deployment of submarine cables.