Maritime Security and the EU

Bantouna, Ioanna and Bartók, András and Charalampopoulos, Nikos (2023) Maritime Security and the EU. In: Security, Resilience and Sustainability of the European Union. Ludovika Egyetemi Kiadó, Budapest, pp. 63-73. ISBN 9786156598042

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Abstract

Piracy, terrorism, illegal trafficking, state disputes and climate change constitute significant threats to international maritime security. The EU participated in missions in Bosnia, Northern Macedonia, Kosovo, the Democratic Republic of Congo and elsewhere. Nevertheless, it was not involved in maritime operations for years, although the ­2003 European Security Strategy clearly states the likelihood that Member States’ warships could be involved in areas such as the Mediterranean or the Black Sea. This situation was reversed in November 2008 when, with Operation Atalanta (EU NAVFOR), the EU provided distinct signs of presence and action against piracy and sea terrorism. It could be said that this initiative in naval operations, including the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to the Horn of Africa, has added another dimension to the EU’s role in international military missions. Until recently, the EU stood behind NATO’s institutional role in relation to security operations in the region. Despite this, it seems that today the European Union, as regards the protection of sea routes, is gaining confidence and its own independent role and military activity in the international security issues of Europe, Africa and Asia.

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