The Ministry of National Defence had issued a non-paper concerning interpretation of the international law of the sea a little earlier responding to the increasing number of incidents.
Action was taken in light of the worsening security situation in the Baltic Sea, namely, the undersea cables being damaged more frequently.
“The increasing incident rate and resulting damage requires additional action on improving infrastructure security in the Baltic Sea, including updating the legal basis in force. Amendments to acts of the international law of the sea outline systemic changes for a more effective and quicker incident response. We have put in place means and algorithms to facilitate coordination between the responsible institutions and to improve protection of the critical infrastructure consequently,” says Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė.
The algorithm clearly defines procedures, such as ship boarding, detention or arrest, and indicates concrete actions to be taken and coordination required in case of damaged energy and communications infrastructure.
“Security of the critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea is vital for key functions of the state and energy stability. We are particularly attentive about the maritime boundary – we need to be ready to counter the threats related to possible provocations, hybrid attacks. The tense security situation in the region and such incidents as cut off communications and power cables in the Baltic Sea clearly demonstrate that additional measures are needed, as well as stronger inter-institutions cooperation and interaction between responsible institutions. We are certain that when approved, this algorithm, will equip us fully to respond to incidents expeditiously, which makes it also an element of deterrent,” noted Minister of the Interior Vladislav Kondratovič.
The algorithm for incident response in the Baltic Sea was developed by the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of the Interior and other institutions. Inter-institutional cooperation was presided over by the National Crisis Management Centre.
