Finland supports objectives of EU action plan on submarine cables

On 21 February 2025, the European Commission and the EU High Representative issued a Joint Communication on an EU Action Plan on Cable Security concerning submarine cables. The Ministry of Transport and Communications will inform Parliament of the action plan on 25 april 2025.

The action plan, which is part of a broader Preparedness Union Strategy, is based on the concept for comprehensive security. Covering both communication and electricity cables, the action plan has four priorities: prevention, detection, response and recovery, and deterrence.

Finland broadly supports the objectives and actions of the Joint Communication. The action plan recognises the special situation of the Baltic Sea Region, and the proposed actions seek to respond extensively to the issues affecting the safety of submarine cables. 

For Finland, increasing the capacity to repair submarine cables will be one of the key actions. Finland considers it vital that the Baltic Sea be prioritised in terms of repair capacity. The Joint Communication recognises the risks associated with the shadow fleet and the need to reinforce the Union's actions against it.

The Joint Communication acknowledges that the proposed fleet of vessels for repairing submarine cables must have icebreaker capabilities and ability to respond to a range of threats, including environmental damage. Finland welcomes the proposal that EU funding would be allocated under the current Multiannual Financial Framework to increasing both repair capacity and the safety of submarine cables.

Finland also supports the measures to develop surveillance technologies for submarine cables in cooperation with European industry, and to improve the exchange of information between Member States.

What’s next?

The Council's working groups will discuss the Joint Communication during spring 2025. Finland will actively promote its objectives in cooperation with the European Commission and other Member States. 

Inquiries:

Lauri Mustonen, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 252, lauri.mustonen@gov.fi 

Tuuli Tolsa, Senior Specialist, tel. +358 295 342 099, tuuli.tolsa@gov.fi 

Jaakko Laamanen, Coordinator, tel. +358 295 342 206, jaakko.laamanen@gov.fi