28/11/2016 (Agence Europe) – On 28 November 2016, the Council of the EU extended the mandate of the operation EUNAVFOR Somalia Operation Atalanta until 31 December 2018. The budget allocated is just under €11 million. Two vessels are currently in place- one Dutch frigate and a Spanish ship- and two maritime surveillance aircraft. In 2017, this operation will be subject to a strategic review in an effort to decide on its future, despite the fact that Somali pirates have been unable to seize any ships since 2012. (JK)