Finland Joins New York Declaration on Submarine Cable Security
By Finland Ministry for Foreign Affairs
September 27, 2024
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.
