Naval Response
As part of the Comprehensive Approach to Somalia, the EU launched the European Union Naval Force Somalia – Operation ATALANTA (EU NAVFOR - ATALANTA ), in 2008 within the framework of the EU Common Security and Defence Policy. EU NAVFOR - ATALANTA was launched in support of United Nations Security Council resolutions 1814, 1816, 1838 and 1846. Its mandate is to protect vessels of the World Food Programme (WFP) and AMISOM shipping; protect vulnerable shipping on a case-by-case basis; help deter, prevent and repress acts of piracy and armed robbery off the coast of Somalia; and monitor fishing activities off the coast of Somalia. In March 2012, Operation ATALANTA was extended by the European Council until Dec 2014 with an extension of the area of operations to include Somali coastal territory and internal waters and extended again in November 2014 through the end of 2016. Currently deployed units under Operation ATALANTA can be seen here. In addition to Operation ATALANTA, EU NAVFOR has established the Maritime Security Centre – Horn of Africa (MSC-HOA) which is manned by military and merchant navy personnel and offers round-the-clock monitoring of vessels transiting through the Gulf of Aden. Merchant vessels can register with MSC-HOA prior to transiting through the region. EU NAVFOR and other naval forces have been greatly credited for the reduced number of pirate attacks off the coast of Somalia.
Industry Response
EU NAVFOR and MSC-HOA both contributed to the development of industry's Best Management Practices. The MSC-HOA website provides information for the maritime community on updates to BMP and other industry self-protection guidance.
Plight of Seafarers
No activity planned or implemented.
Messaging and Advocacy
No activity planned or implemented.
Regional Capacity
The EU EEAS provides support to build regional capacity to tackle piracy through several different programs.
Under the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), the EUCAP NESTOR training mission was announced in December 2011 and launched in mid-2012.
In support of the ESA-IO Regional Strategy and Action Plan, the EEAS, in partnership with the Commission, is administering the Regional Maritime Security Programme (MASE). MASE commenced in 2013 after Start-up MASE, a program aimed at ‘preparing the ESA-IO region for the implementation of the MASE Programme through the development and implementation of all necessary structures, systems and coordination/communication mechanisms and the implementation of immediate capacity building activities,’ concluded in June 2013. The project has a budget of 37 million EUR and will be implemented over a five-year period. MASE is implemented through four regional organizations; COMESA, the EAC, the IOC, and IGAD. Full details of the MASE project can be found here.
In cooperation with the Indian Ocean Commission, the EU launched the SmartFish Programme to promote sustainable exploitation of fisheries resources in the region. A summary of the EEAS’ regional capacity building initiatives can be found here.
Somali Capacity
With an overall goal to help establish a peaceful and secure environment in Somalia, and to reduce poverty by providing basic social services and increasing economic activity, the EU, as part of the Somalia Joint Strategy Paper for the period 2008-2013 will support projects under three pillars, namely: 1) Deepening peace, improving security and establishing democratic governance; 2) Investing in people by improving equitable access to affordable and sustainable social services: education, health, water and sanitation; and 3) Poverty reduction and the consolidation of peace through sustainable and equitable economic growth. The European Union Training Mission (EUTM) is working to strengthen the Federal Government of Somalia by providing military training to member of Somalia's Security Forces. A central part to the training courses provided by EUTM is the 'train-the-trainer' programme, which aims to develop Somali capacity for training future armed personnel.
Additionally, EUCAP NESTOR, a civilian mission under the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), aims to strengthen maritime governance capabilities and build Somali capacity through training and equipping Maritime police forces in Somliland and Puntland.
Rule of Law
No activity planned or implemented.
Coordination
The EEAS coordinates with the other active EU departments working within the Horn of Africa. They also coordinate and work alongside the UN family, in their efforts in the region. Specifically, EU NAVFOR chairs the Shared Awareness and Deconfliction (SHADE) meetings on a rotational basis (with CMF and NATO as the other chairs).
