Finland joins New York declaration on submarine cable security

Press release by Ministry of Transport and Communications and Ministry for Foreign Affairs: Finland has joined the US-led multilateral declaration on submarine cable security. The parties to the declaration agreed on common objectives and means for improving the security and resilience of submarine cables.

The joint declaration, drawn up on the initiative of the United States, was published in New York at a side event organised by the United States on 25 September 2024 in connection with the UN General Assembly. The declaration aims to encourage countries to promote the integrity, security and accessibility of the submarine cable infrastructure, which is important for the digital economy. The declaration is not legally binding.

“Our societies are increasingly dependent on reliable and secure digital connections that ensure free flow of information and support growth in the digital economy. The initiative supports Finland's efforts to extend these benefits to all,” says Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen.

Finland is among the first signatory countries. The EU and several like-minded partner countries, including Canada, Japan, Republic of Korea, Australia, New Zealand, France, the Netherlands, Portugal, and the United Kingdom, also joined the declaration. The countries committed to the declaration will seek to intensify cooperation in the development of reliable and secure subsea infrastructures. 

“Securing critical infrastructure is of primary importance for Finland. This is why we will intensify cooperation with like-minded countries to strengthen the security of submarine cables,” says Minister of Transport, Communications and the Interior Lulu Ranne.

Finland supports comprehensive approach to submarine cable security

Finland supports the declaration’s comprehensive approach to the security of submarine cables. The joint declaration emphasises aspects such as favouring secure equipment suppliers in new projects, preventing both unintentional and intentional damage, promoting close cooperation between the public and private sectors, and strengthening resilience through alternative routing. 

Investments in submarine cable connections are key to security and the global digital economy. They also help to further connect developing countries to the global economy. The declaration and the US side event are related to the UN’s goal to focus on the development of digital infrastructure across the world. 

Submarine cables and securing northern connections are among Finland’s priorities. Finland has highlighted the importance of new northern transatlantic connections and planned to establish a direct Europe-Asia connection through a trans-Arctic submarine cable connection. The Finnish company Cinia has a project called Far North Fiber, which is planning to establish a direct link from Europe to Asia via Alaska, using the Arctic Northwest Passage.

What’s next? 

Finland actively participates in EU and NATO projects and initiatives and in bilateral and multilateral cooperation that boost submarine cable security and new investments. The United States is a key partner for Finland in the field of technology foreign policy. The multilateral New York joint declaration complements these other forms of international cooperation. 

Finland also promotes the security of submarine cables and critical communications infrastructure at the national level.

Links

U.S. Department of State press release 26.9.2024: Joint Statement on the Security and Resilience of Undersea Cables in a Globally Digitalized World(Link to another website.)

U.S. Department of State press release 25.9.2024: Multilateral Meeting on Security and Resilience of Undersea Cables during UN General Assembly High Level Week(Link to another website.)