The European Council has extended the mandates of the EU Naval Force Operation ATALANTA and the EU’s military training mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) until February 28, 2027. This decision follows a strategic review of the EU’s engagement in Somalia and the Horn of Africa, aiming to strengthen maritime and regional security efforts.
The European Council has decided to prolong the mandate of the EU Naval Force Operation ATALANTA and the EU’s military training mission in Somalia until 28 February 2027. These decisions follow a comprehensive strategic review of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) engagement in the region, highlighting a need to strengthen the EU’s role as a maritime security provider in response to an evolving security landscape.
Operation ATALANTA’s mandate has been updated to enhance maritime security off the coast of Somalia, the Gulf of Aden, the West Indian Ocean, and parts of the Red Sea. The new mandate aims to better support the development of a broader regional maritime security architecture, continuing efforts to combat piracy and reduce illicit trafficking at sea. The operation will now synergize with the maritime Operation ASPIDES, which protects merchant shipping in the Red Sea, and the Maritime Security Center (MSC) Horn of Africa, which is being rebranded as MSC Indian Ocean. This move reinforces the center’s role and support for ATALANTA and ASPIDES.
The EU’s CSDP action in Somalia is also expanding, focusing on building Somali Security Forces and institutions to eventually take over responsibility for their own security. This includes strategic advice, mentoring, training, and EU-funded equipment support through the European Peace Facility. The missions are also set to strengthen regional cooperation, particularly by aiding Djibouti’s maritime security forces in their capacity-building efforts.
The Council’s statement highlighted the importance of adhering to international humanitarian law, protecting human rights, preventing gender-based violence, safeguarding children in armed conflicts, and promoting the agendas of women, peace and security, climate, security, and defence throughout these operations and missions.