Finland Launches Investigation into Suspected Sabotage of Baltic-Connector Gas Pipeline

Finland suspects that the damage to a natural gas pipeline connecting Estonia was deliberate and likely caused by external activity. The Baltic-connector pipeline was shut down due to a sudden drop in pressure, and a telecoms cable was also damaged. The prime minister of Finland stated that the source of the leak has been found and is being investigated by both countries, although the cause is still unclear. There are suspicions that Russian sabotage may be responsible, as Finland joined NATO earlier this year. The seismological institute in Norway detected a probable explosion along Finland's Baltic Sea coast, but Finnish authorities have not found evidence of explosives. The damage to the pipeline and cable occurred in different spots in Finland's Exclusive Economic Zone. The pipeline is Finland's only direct link to the EU's gas network, but alternative gas sources are available to ensure energy security. NATO has expressed its readiness to support Finland and Estonia in addressing the issue. The incident has led to increased European gas prices, along with the closure of a gas field in Israel. The damage to the Baltic-connector pipeline has raised concerns about energy security following the Nord Stream pipeline blasts last year. The pipeline, which opened in 2020, allows gas transmission between Estonia and Finland based on each country's needs. Since Russian imports were suspended last year, the Baltic-connector pipeline has been Finland's sole natural gas import channel, accounting for about 5% of its energy consumption.