On 27 April 2026, we welcomed Ms. Liisa-Ly PAKOSTA, Estonia’s Minister of Justice and Digital Affairs, for a hybrid seminar titled “Securing Subsea Cables and Critical Infrastructure: Lessons from the Baltic Sea.” The session was led by President Sasae of JIIA.
The Minister outlined Estonia’s recent experiences with subsea cable damage, the country’s efforts to strengthen national resilience, and the cybersecurity framework that supports Estonia’s fully digitalized government services. She emphasized the importance of protecting subsea cables, highlighting three key policy pillars: (1) diversification of digital infrastructure, (2) rapid restoration capabilities, and (3) ensuring the necessary legal protections while remaining mindful of freedom of navigation. She also underscored the value of cooperation among Baltic Sea states and with international partners.
Following the keynote, Professor Motohiro TSUCHIYA of Keio University offered comments and posed several questions as a discussant, linking Estonia’s experience to challenges faced by Japan. Participants raised a number of questions, leading to a lively exchange on legal responses to cable incidents currently under review in Estonia, international law considerations, the importance of cooperation among like‑minded countries, and the role of trust, transparency, and innovation in sustaining effective digital governance.
The video is scheduled to be released at a later date
