Urgent call from Europe to NATO: The internet could go down in an instant

Europe's largest telecommunications companies have written an open letter to NATO demanding urgent measures following an increase in attacks threatening the continent's internet infrastructure. In the letter signed by industry giants such as the Spanish firm Telefónica, Vodafone, and Orange, the owner of O2, it was stated, "With the rise of hybrid threats, the protection of cross-border communication networks requires a coordinated approach."

SABOTAGE THREATENS GLOBAL SYSTEMS

The companies stated that sabotage against undersea cables poses a vital risk not only for Europe but for the entire world. The statement noted, "These cables carry not only data but also energy, finance, and communication infrastructure. Damage to these networks would deal a direct blow to the global functioning of the internet."

REPERCUSSIONS EXTEND BEYOND EUROPEAN BORDERS

One of the striking statements in the letter was the warning that "The effects of damage to undersea cables will not be limited to Europe. Global systems could be affected." The telecom giants proposed that these infrastructures be protected through civil-military cooperation.

EMPHASIS ON JOINT MONITORING AND INTELLIGENCE

Among the proposals presented to leaders, the establishment of joint monitoring systems, increased investment in advanced technology, and effective intelligence sharing were at the top of the list. Although the parties responsible for the attacks were not directly named, eyes have turned to Russia due to the recent increase in sabotage allegations.

TENSIONS ESCALATE IN THE BALTIC SEA

Attacks on undersea cables in the Baltic and North Seas are increasing tension in the region. In November 2024, a Chinese ship was surrounded by vessels from European countries on suspicion of sabotage. During the same period, it was alleged that a Russian commercial vessel named Yi Peng 3 dragged its anchor along the seabed for 100 miles, damaging fiber optic cables. While the investigation is ongoing, it is being determined whether this action was intentional.

SABOTAGE CAME IN A CHAIN

Before the incidents in November, it was determined that cables connecting Lithuania, Sweden, Finland, and Germany had been cut. In January, traces of sabotage were found on a connection line between Sweden and Latvia. According to experts, these attacks are deliberately targeting Europe's communication arteries.

UK: "WE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING"

UK Defence Secretary John Healey directly targeted Russia in a statement made in January 2025. Stating, "We know what you are doing and we will not hesitate to take decisive steps to defend this country," Healey noted that sabotage against undersea cables is now a matter of national security.

RUSSIA AND CHINA DENY

Russia and China, the focus of the sabotage allegations, deny the accusations. Both countries argue that the allegations are being brought up for political purposes. However, security institutions in Europe acknowledge that activity in the region has increased and the threat level has risen.

NATO'S "BALTIC GUARD" MOVE

In January, NATO launched a new military security program called "Baltic Guard." Within this scope, underwater unmanned vehicles, maritime patrol aircraft, and warships have been tasked with protecting critical undersea infrastructure.

Furthermore, the Alliance aims to strengthen infrastructure security by conducting joint work with the civil industry under the title of "Critical Undersea Infrastructure Network." The program envisions support not only in military terms but also in the fields of technology and logistics.

TECHNOLOGICAL MOBILIZATION IS ON THE HORIZON

With the call from telecom companies, a comprehensive technological mobilization for cybersecurity and infrastructure defense is expected within NATO and the EU. Experts predict that billions of euros in investments and joint defense strategies in this field may be announced in the coming period.

News Source: 12punto