United Nations: The European Union (EU), in an address to the United Nations Security Council, has introduced a Revised Maritime Security Strategy coupled with an Action Plan aimed at tackling an array of maritime security challenges, notably hybrid and cyber threats. This initiative underscores the EU’s commitment to enhancing collaboration across various sectors, both within the EU and on a global scale.
According to European Union, the revised strategy is a response to increasing violence against merchant and commercial ships, incidents that pose risks to seafarers’ lives, disrupt global trade, and potentially harm the climate and marine environment. These challenges highlight the necessity for strengthened maritime security measures. The EU’s naval operations, such as the EU Naval Force ATALANTA in the Western Indian Ocean, EU Naval Force ASPIDES in the Red Sea, and EU Naval Force IRINI enforcing the UN arms embargo on Libya, are pivotal in addressing these threats.
International cooperation is central to the EU’s approach, with a commitment to supporting global partners in enhancing maritime security frameworks. The EU has advanced maritime information sharing through platforms like the EU-funded Indo-Pacific Regional Information Sharing (IORIS) and the Yaoundé Architecture Regional Information System (YARIS), fostering coordination between maritime centers across numerous countries.
The EU also embraces initiatives such as the collaboration between the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Malta-based Global Centre for Maritime Sanctions Enforcement, or the Spinola Center. This partnership aims to bolster capacity building, training, vessel tracking, and analysis for shipping registries. Additionally, the EU supports the Registry Information Sharing Compact (RISC) in its efforts to combat illicit maritime practices.
Expressing gratitude to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez, the EU acknowledged IMO Resolution A.1192 (33) as a significant step towards addressing the use of substandard vessels. The resolution provides a framework for the international maritime community to collaborate against threats to maritime safety and the marine environment.
The EU’s strategy also emphasizes the importance of securing critical maritime infrastructure, such as submarine cables, which are vital for internet and international connectivity. The forthcoming EU Action Plan on Cable Security, set for February 2025, aims to prevent, detect, and respond swiftly to any incidents, ensuring robust defenses against malicious actors.