The European Commission and the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy announced on Friday 10 March the update of the EU strategy to protect against evolving maritime threats. The strategy presented includes the adoption of a joint communication and an updated action plan through which the strategy will be implemented.
“Compared to the 2014 strategy, which was the first document of its kind, there are some new elements. These relate to the new geopolitical tensions, the tensions in the South China Sea and, of course, the war in Ukraine. We are also taking into account cyber and hybrid threats and giving more weight to the impact of climate change in terms of maritime security”, explained a European official.
In concrete terms, this new strategy should enable the EU to adapt to the threats and challenges in the area of maritime security, both civil and military, in addition to “long-standing illicit activities such as piracy, armed robbery at sea, smuggling of migrants and trafficking of human beings, trafficking of arms and narcotics and terrorism”.
To achieve this, the strategy is based on several pillars. Firstly, it provides for measures to step up activities at sea, including naval exercises at EU level and the development of coast guard operations in European sea basins.
New areas of maritime interest have also been designated for the implementation of the concept of ‘Coordinated Maritime Presences’ which is intended to enhance the coordination of Member States’ naval and air assets present in certain maritime areas.
In addition, the text includes measures to conduct regular live maritime exercises with civilian and military actors and third states. A joint EU-US maritime exercise should be announced before the end of June, a European official said. This cooperation should also be strengthened with NATO. These measures are part of a framework of increased surveillance and protection of critical maritime infrastructure and ships against physical and cyber threats, as well as the fight against mines and unexploded ordnance at sea.
A part of this strategy is also dedicated to capacity building. Common requirements are defined for defence technologies in the maritime domain, including stepping up work on projects such as the European Patrol Corvette.
Finally, the text provides for the improvement of hybrid and cybersecurity skills also on the civilian side, by organising training courses open to partners outside the EU.
Member States will now have to approve the strategy. “We hope to have conclusions from the Council by the end of the Swedish Presidency”, concluded a European official.
See the joint communication: https://aeur.eu/f/5qt (Original version in French by Thomas Mangin)