Eurostar Faces Major Disruptions Following Extensive Cable Theft in France

Eurostar, the high-speed train service connecting London with continental Europe, is grappling with significant delays and cancellations due to a substantial theft of copper cabling in France. The incident occurred near Lille, a crucial hub for Eurostar services, and has raised concerns about potential sabotage coinciding with the NATO summit in The Hague, Netherlands.

The theft involved approximately 600 meters of copper cable, which was either stolen or cut, severely impacting Eurostar operations and leading to calls for passengers to reschedule or cancel their trips. On June 25, 2025, Eurostar issued a statement urging customers to either postpone their journeys or seek refunds, as the company anticipated prolonged delays throughout the day. The affected area is known for its pivotal role in linking London to cities such as Paris, Brussels, and Amsterdam.

French authorities launched an investigation into the theft, with forensic teams deployed to the scene to gather evidence. The French National Railway Company (SNCF) confirmed that repair work was underway, with 15 specialists mobilized to restore the damaged infrastructure. According to SNCF, the meticulous repair process involves reconnecting approximately 15 wires within each cable, a task that requires significant time and precision.

This disruption follows a series of incidents affecting Eurostar services, including a tragic event on the previous day, when two separate incidents on the line between Lille and Paris resulted in the closure of the route for most of the day. Alex Deane, a passenger affected by the disruptions, described how his train was delayed by two hours before being turned back to London, expressing frustration over the lack of information.

The cable theft has drawn parallels to a similar incident in Spain, where vital signaling cables were stolen during a busy bank holiday weekend, leading to significant service disruptions that affected over 10,000 travelers. In that instance, the Spanish Transport Minister labeled it an act of “serious sabotage.”

As Eurostar works to resolve the current situation, the implications extend beyond mere inconvenience for travelers. Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel suggested that the theft could have been an attempt to disrupt the NATO summit, raising questions about the motivations behind such criminal acts. The incident highlights ongoing vulnerabilities in railway infrastructure, particularly in regions facing potential threats to security.

Looking forward, the Eurostar situation underscores the need for enhanced security measures to protect critical transport infrastructure. Experts in transportation security emphasize that railway systems are increasingly vulnerable to theft and sabotage, necessitating a comprehensive review of current protective strategies.

In conclusion, the theft of copper cables in France has not only caused immediate travel disruptions for Eurostar passengers but also raises broader questions about the security of rail networks in Europe. As investigations continue, the outcomes may lead to a reevaluation of safety protocols across the continent, ensuring that such incidents do not recur in the future.