ATALANTA, FIRST NAVAL OPERATION OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, CELEBRATES ITS 15TH ANNIVERSARY
The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA, whose Headquarters is in Spain, provides maritime security in the North-West Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. EUNAVFOR ATALANTA plays a vital role in the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy and in the EU's naval diplomacy for the Indo-Pacific. The event took place in conjunction with the Operation Commander's handover ceremony.
Rota, 23 November 2023 - Operation ATALANTA celebrated the 15th anniversary of its inception with a ceremony at the Rota Naval Base. The event took place in conjunction with the handover ceremony of command from the current Commander, Vice Admiral José María Núñez Torrente, to the new Commander, Vice Admiral Ignacio Villanueva Serrano.
During the anniversary celebration event, well-deserved recognition was given to all participating countries, as well as to the troops and other personnel involved in the Operation. "We celebrate the example of what the EU can achieve, with an international, synergetic and committed effort of all its Member States, in cooperation with its partners," said Vice Admiral José María Núñez Torrente. His words were followed by a video summary of the work carried out by the Operation over the years.
The handover ceremony of the Operation Commander was presided over by the Spanish Chief of Defence Staff (JEMAD), Admiral General Teodoro Esteban López Calderón on behalf of the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, General Robert Brieger. After the handover ceremony, the new Commander, Vice Admiral Villanueva stressed "My challenge will be to command the transformation of ATALANTA while keeping it operationally realistic, operationally effective and operationally adaptable to the new maritime security challenges, and all this under the guidance and strategic direction of the EU Political and Security Committee".
The European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ATALANTA, whose Headquarter has been based in Spain since 29 March 2019, plays a crucial role in protecting maritime traffic and maintaining stability in the North-West Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. Since its inception in 2008, the operation has been an example of international cooperation, involving a total of 20 EU and non-EU countries.
It was at the end of 2008 that the Council of the European Union adopted Resolution 2008/851/CFSP, based on various UN resolutions, to establish the EU maritime military operation - Operation ATALANTA and contribute to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy off the coast of Somalia. Over time, EUNAVFOR's mandate has been adapted to reflect the evolving situation in the region and the increased presence of the international community, with the aim of developing the Operation into a provider of maritime security in the North-West Indian Ocean while maintaining the focus on counter-piracy.
During these 15 years, ATALANTA has faced various challenges, constantly adapting to the evolving threats in the region. Throughout this time, Operation ATALANTA has protected more than 2000 World Food Programme vessels with a total of 3,200,000 tonnes of food and other aid distributed. In addition, 16 tonnes of narcotics have been seized and significant progress has been made against piracy in the area of operations. The operation has been an effective tool of naval diplomacy and has underlined the importance of international collaboration and the need to maintain an effective presence to prevent and combat illegal activities in the area of responsibility.
Among the military and civil authorities attending were the Spanish Chief of Defense Staff (CHOD), Admiral General Teodoro Esteban López Calderón; the Admiral of the Fleet, Admiral Eugenio Díaz del Río Jáudenes and the Chief of Staff of the Operations Command (JEMMOPS), Vice Admiral Íñigo de la Puente Mora-Figueroa.
