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Lithuania Approves New Response Protocol for Damage to Undersea Cables in Baltic Sea.
In an important move aimed at strengthening national security and protecting essential undersea infrastructure, the Lithuanian Government has approved a new algorithm (response protocol) for managing incidents of damage to cables in the Baltic Sea. Jointly developed by the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of the Interior, this protocol clearly defines the responsibilities and procedures for rapidly countering potential acts of sabotage and minimizing disruptions to critical communication and energy lines.
This protocol clearly defines the responsibilities and procedures for rapidly countering potential acts of sabotage and minimizing disruptions to critical communication and energy lines. (Picture source: Lithuanian MoD)
Under the new plan, the State Border Guard Service (SBGS) will assume primary responsibility for intercepting, inspecting, and, if necessary, detaining vessels suspected of damaging undersea cables. The SBGS will work in close cooperation with the Lithuanian Armed Forces, thus ensuring a coordinated and effective national response to any incident threatening undersea infrastructure.
This approval comes in the context of a rising number of incidents involving undersea cables in the Baltic Sea region. The Ministry of National Defence (MoND) had already published a non-paper clarifying the relevant international law of the sea, paving the way for the government’s decision. Officials cite an increasingly tense security environment as the driving factor behind these new measures.
“The increase in incidents and resulting damage requires additional measures to enhance infrastructure security in the Baltic Sea, including updating the existing legal framework. Amendments to international maritime law instruments introduce systemic changes for a more effective and quicker response to incidents. We have put in place resources and protocols to facilitate coordination among the responsible institutions and to strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure,” said Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė.
The new protocol clearly defines procedures for inspection, detention, and, where necessary, the arrest of vessels suspected of involvement in damaging or tampering with undersea cables. It also clarifies coordination procedures among agencies, ensuring rapid communication and assigned responsibilities.
“The security of critical undersea infrastructure in the Baltic Sea is essential for key state functions and energy stability. We are particularly vigilant about our maritime boundary—we must be ready to counter potential provocations and hybrid attacks. The tense security situation in the region and incidents such as cable cuts show that additional measures and stronger cooperation among responsible institutions are necessary. The approved algorithm enables us to respond quickly to incidents, and also acts as a deterrent,” emphasized Minister of the Interior Vladislav Kondratovič.
Developed under the supervision of the National Crisis Management Centre, the response protocol focuses on enhanced inter-agency cooperation and faster decision-making when immediate action is required. With a clear definition of roles and responsibilities, Lithuanian authorities aim to improve both deterrence against hostile activities and resilience in the face of maritime security threats.