NATO Secretary General discusses security of undersea infrastructure with industry leaders

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently held a meeting with industry leaders to discuss the security of critical undersea infrastructure. Stoltenberg emphasized that NATO’s role in protecting this infrastructure is essential to its security and defense and that greater cooperation and coordination with the industry is necessary.

He mentioned the establishment of an undersea infrastructure coordination cell, which works to map vulnerabilities and coordinate efforts between Allies, partners, and the private sector. Additionally, a new NATO-EU task-force on resilience and critical infrastructure protection has been established to help address the threats facing these critical resources.

NATO Secretary General pointed out that undersea cables carry an estimated 10 trillion dollars in transfers every day and that two thirds of the world’s oil and gas is either extracted at sea or transported by sea. He also noted that around 95% of global data flows are transmitted through undersea cables. To support his argument, Stoltenberg referred to the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipeline last September and the increased military presence in the region.

Overall, Stoltenberg concluded that NATO is essential to the security and prosperity of our societies and that cooperation and coordination with industry is necessary to enhance the security of critical undersea infrastructure.