Earlier today members of the European Parliament Sub Committee on Security and Defence visited the Operational Headquarters of the European Union’s counter piracy mission - Operation Atalanta. The Sub Committee visitors were briefed on the role of the EU Naval Force Somalia, and given an update on the counter piracy efforts off the Horn of Africa. The message was conveyed that whilst the number of pirate attacks have reduced significantly over the past 18 months due to the efforts of the International Navies, self protective measures of the Maritime Industry and efforts by the Somali Authorities ashore, there is no room for complacency – the piracy threat remains.