The Council has decided to extend the mandate of the EU naval operation ATALANTA and the EU Military Training Mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) until 28 February 2027. This complements its decision of 5 December to extend the mandate of the EU’s civilian capacity-building mission (EUCAP Somalia) to the same date. These decisions follow a comprehensive strategic review of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) engagement in Somalia and the Horn of Africa. The objective is to enhance the EU’s response to the evolving security environment and strengthen its role as a maritime security provider.
Simultaneously, the Council updated Operation ATALANTA’s mandate to reinforce maritime security off the Somali coast, in the Gulf of Aden, the Western Indian Ocean, and parts of the Red Sea. This updated mandate aims to further support the development of a broader regional maritime security framework. Operation ATALANTA will continue combating piracy and reducing illicit maritime trafficking. Synergies with Operation ASPIDES, which currently protects maritime transport in the Red Sea, will also be strengthened. Additionally, the Maritime Security Centre (MSC) for the Horn of Africa, which supports both ATALANTA and ASPIDES, has been renamed the MSC Indian Ocean, with its role expanded.
In Somalia, the EU’s CSDP engagement has been broadened to support the strengthening of Somali security forces and institutions, enabling them to assume responsibility for their own security in the future, in line with the EU-Somalia Joint Roadmap. Under the renewed mandates, EUCAP Somalia and EUTM Somalia will support the development of capable, sustainable, and accountable Somali security institutions through strategic advice, mentoring, and training, alongside equipment support funded by the EU through the European Peace Facility. To reinforce a regional approach, the missions and operation will also support capacity-building efforts for regional maritime security forces, particularly in Djibouti, within their resources and capabilities.
To uphold EU values, all activities will place particular emphasis on international humanitarian law, human rights, prevention of gender-based violence, protection of children in armed conflict, and promotion of the women, peace, and security agenda as well as climate, security, and defense priorities.
Background
Operation ATALANTA
Since its launch in late 2008 in response to the rise of piracy in the Western Indian Ocean, Operation ATALANTA has significantly contributed to curbing piracy and protecting vessels of the World Food Programme (WFP), the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and other vulnerable international ships. The operation deters, prevents, and, when necessary, represses acts of piracy, reducing the threat to the international maritime community. Additionally, it monitors fishing activities off the Somali coast (outside Somali territorial waters) and supports other EU CSDP missions and international organizations working to enhance maritime security and capacity-building in the region.
EUCAP Somalia
Launched in July 2012 as EUCAP Nestor, EUCAP Somalia currently provides advice, training, and equipment to the Somali Federal Police Force to contribute to the gradual establishment of the rule of law in Somalia. Moreover, EUCAP Somalia helps strengthen Somalia’s maritime security capacity, enabling it to enforce maritime law more effectively. It collaborates with EUTM Somalia to develop Somali Navy and Coast Guard capacities related to their civilian functions.
EUTM Somalia
EUTM Somalia implements its mandate through a three-pillar approach focused on training, mentoring, and providing strategic advice to the Somali National Armed Forces. Over the years, the mission has shifted its tasks to support the internal development of specialized functions, including leadership, command and control, counter-IED capabilities, medical care, and logistics. EUTM Somalia also contributes to an intensive training program at the General Daghabadan Training Centre near Mogadishu. In close cooperation with the European Peace Facility, EUTM Somalia provides advice on the needs of the Somali National Armed Forces and training courses for new equipment.
Source: Maritim Africa
