The EU aims to become a “global maritime security actor” as it aspires to expand its influence to the Indo-Pacific region which may include the South China Sea and East China Sea.
More specifically, Giovanni Cremonini, head of the maritime security sector of the European Union’s External Action Service, said the EU has economic interests in protecting the sea for trade, critical maritime infrastructure, as well as the maritime environmental concerns and potential consequences of climate change.
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However, the intention is not to become the “NATO of the seas,” but provide more value in securing the oceans and seas from transnational maritime threats.
Currently, the EU has two active military engagements:
- The EU Naval Force Somalia-Operation Atalanta (EUNAVFOR): EUNAVFOR is involved in military operation at sea off Somalia, stopping piracy and armed robbery at Gulf of Guinea and protecting vessels of the World Food Programme in delivering food aid to Somalia.
- The EU Naval Force Mediterranean Operation IRINI (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI): This was mandated in 2020 to implement the United Nations arms embargo on Libya with the use of its aerial, satellite and maritime assets. It conducts inspections of vessels on the high seas off the Libyan coast that are suspected to be carrying arms or related materials to and from Libya. It also monitors illicit exports from Libya of petroleum, crude oil and refined petroleum.
What is more, in September 2021, the EU adopted its strategy of cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, where members are maritime states including the Philippines. The EU recognized the Indo-Pacific region’s “growing importance” accounting to 60% of world’s GDP and with growing geo-political tensions.
Cremonini added that the EU looks at expanding their existing EU Coordinated Maritime Presence (CMP) where the European Council declares certain “maritime area of interest,” enabling EU member states to share information, awareness and analysis. It also mandates the use of naval or air assets of EU member states.
