The European Council adopted conclusions on the revision of the EU maritime security strategy (EUMSS) action plan, to safe and free trade across EU waters. This revision allows for a more focused reporting process to enhance awareness and better follow-up to the strategy.
The EU actively contributes to safe and secure seas and oceans in different parts of the world, using several of the EU’s existing instruments such as the Instrument for Peace and Stability and the European Development Fund, as well as EU policies, such as the Common Security and Defence Policy.
The EU’s maritime security strategy action plan was first adopted on 16 December 2014 to help safeguard the interests of the EU and protect its member states and citizens. It addresses global maritime risks and threats, including cross-border and organized crime, threats to freedom of navigation, threats to biodiversity, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing or environmental degradation due to illegal or accidental discharge.
The action plan brings together both internal and external aspects of the Union’s maritime security. The actions foreseen in the plan also contribute to the implementation of the EU Global Strategy, the renewed EU internal security strategy 2015-2020, the Council conclusions on global maritime security, and the joint communication on international ocean governance.
Essential in this revised Action Plan:
- An innovative & holistic perspective on maritime security, encompassing terrorism as well as cyber, hybrid, chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear threats in the maritime domain
- Introducing a regional approach to a global challenge, allowing for tailor-made responses to security challenges in European sea basins and key hotspots such as the Gulf of Guinea and the Horn of Africa
- Protection of critical maritime infrastructure such as ports, ships and energy installations at sea
- Stronger collaboration between civilian and military actors, between different agencies and across borders
High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, said:
With this action plan, the EU reaffirms its role as a global maritime security provider. It promotes international cooperation, maritime multilateralism and the rule of law at sea, in line with the strategic priorities identified in the EU Global Strategy.
Explore the revision of EUMSS action plan herebelow:
