The Council of the European Union agreed on Monday 15 June 2009 that EU NAVFOR - Operation Atalanta should be extended for one year from its current end date of 13 December 2009.
The Council noted that EU NAVFOR - Operation Atalanta had demonstrated its ability to act effectively against piracy, that piracy off the coast of Somalia was likely to remain a serious threat beyond the date of 13 December 2009, and that early agreement on extending the operation would facilitate the necessary force generation.
EU NAVFOR - Operation ATALANTA was launched on 8 December 2008 in support of UN Security Council resolutions 1814, 1816, 1838 and 1846 adopted in 2008. It is conducted under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). It is the first naval operation launched by the EU.
Rear Admiral Peter Hudson (UK), has commanded the Operation from the Operational Headquarters (OHQ) at Northwood, United Kingdom, since 3 June 2009. He plans and conducts the operation as directed by the authorities of the European Union.
Commander Juan Garat Caramé (ES) commands the European naval force from the Force Headquarters (FHQ) on board the NUMANCIA, a Spanish frigate present in the theatre.
Thirteen warships and three maritime patrol air surveillance aircraft are currently taking part in the Operation.
The Council noted that EU NAVFOR - Operation Atalanta had demonstrated its ability to act effectively against piracy, that piracy off the coast of Somalia was likely to remain a serious threat beyond the date of 13 December 2009, and that early agreement on extending the operation would facilitate the necessary force generation.
EU NAVFOR - Operation ATALANTA was launched on 8 December 2008 in support of UN Security Council resolutions 1814, 1816, 1838 and 1846 adopted in 2008. It is conducted under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). It is the first naval operation launched by the EU.
Rear Admiral Peter Hudson (UK), has commanded the Operation from the Operational Headquarters (OHQ) at Northwood, United Kingdom, since 3 June 2009. He plans and conducts the operation as directed by the authorities of the European Union.
Commander Juan Garat Caramé (ES) commands the European naval force from the Force Headquarters (FHQ) on board the NUMANCIA, a Spanish frigate present in the theatre.
Thirteen warships and three maritime patrol air surveillance aircraft are currently taking part in the Operation.
More information on www.consilium.europa.eu/eunavfor-somalia