Somali-based piracy is a complex issue that can only ultimately be overcome by combining political and diplomatic efforts with military and legal action, development assistance and strong international co-ordination. With all these tools at its disposal, the EU is in a unique position to contribute to international efforts.
EU NAVFOR is therefore just one part of the EU’s “Comprehensive Approach” to Somalia, tackling both the current symptoms and root causes of the problem. To that end, other CSDP Missions in the region include:
While bearing all aspects of organised crime, piracy is a complex issue that can only be overcome by combining political and diplomatic efforts with military and legal action, development assistance and strong international coordination. With all these tools at its disposal, the European Union (EU) is in a unique position to contribute to international efforts, and addresses that challenge through a “comprehensive approach” tackling both current symptoms and root causes of the problem.
The EU is engaged in Somalia through a wide range of assistance measures that include development programmes, active diplomacy, EU staffed missions and operations in support of rule of law and security, and humanitarian assistance. Priority is given to promoting a peaceful environment in which human rights are respected and democratic institutions can develop. Providing basic social services and creating an environment for sustainable and equitable economic growth will improve the lives of the poorest and the most vulnerable groups.
EUCAP Somalia is an EU civilian mission, with some military expertise, under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). EUCAP Somalia is an unarmed capacity building mission with no executive powers. The objective of EUCAP Somalia is to assist the development in the continued enhancement of their maritime security including counter-piracy, and maritime governance. To this end it will carry out activities to reinforce coast guard functions, support the rule of law and the judiciary and, in Somalia, assist in the development of a coastal police.
Since 2010, EUTM Somalia has contributed to the training of approximately 3,600 Somali soldiers with a focus on the training of Non-Commissioned Officers (NCOs), Junior Officers, specialists and trainers.
The idea of a common defence policy for Europe dates back to 1948 when the UK, France, and the Benelux signed the Treaty of Brussels. The Lisbon Treaty came into force in December 2009 and was a cornerstone in the development of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The treaty includes both a mutual assistance and a solidarity clause and allowed for the creation of the European External Action Service (EEAS) under the authority of the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs & Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission (HR/VP). The two distinct functions of the newly created post give the HR/VP the possibility to bring all the necessary EU assets together and to apply a “comprehensive approach” to EU crisis management.