Norway and five other North Sea countries have signed a joint declaration on cooperation to protect energy and telecommunications infrastructure in the North Sea.
“We have a common interest with our neighbors around the North Sea basin to secure critical infrastructure,” said Terje Aasland, Norway’s minister of energy. “This is essential both for energy security and resilience and to ensure the safety of those working offshore. This joint declaration is an important foundation for ensuring safety and is a clear example that we have common goals. Together we are stronger.”
Damage to energy pipelines and subsea fiber optic cables has led to an increased focus on securing critical subsea infrastructure in the North Sea. Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Norway, the UK, and Denmark signed the joint declaration to work together to protect infrastructure in the North Sea.
“Through cooperation, we will secure the digital infrastructure in the North Sea,” said Karianne Tung, Norway’s minister of digitalization and public administration. “The submarine fiber cables are crucial for internet traffic between Norway and other countries, and I am pleased that we, together with five other countries, are now further protecting this. It is important for our interests, energy production, and our maritime activities that we safeguard this infrastructure.”
A significant amount of critical infrastructure is in the North Sea. This includes subsea fiber-optic cables, gas and oil pipelines, electricity transmission cables, and offshore wind installations. The subsea infrastructure in the North Sea is interconnected across national borders, necessitating the joint initiative for safety and protection.
The aim of the joint statement is to join forces to implement appropriate measures and exchange information and best practices. The joint statement focuses on resilience and prevention and is complementary to NATO’s work, in which all countries involved participate.