The European Council has approved a strategic extension of its military and civilian missions in Somalia, aligning with the EU-Somalia Roadmap for sustainable security.
The European Council has approved the continuation of its comprehensive maritime and security operations in Somalia, extending three key missions until February 28, 2027. The decision, announced on December 16, reflects the European Union’s ongoing commitment to maritime security and regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
The extended missions include Operation ATALANTA, the EU Military Training Mission (EUTM Somalia), and the EU Civilian Capacity-Building Mission (EUCAP Somalia). These prolongations come after a strategic review of the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) engagement in the region.
Operation ATALANTA will continue its critical work of combating piracy and reducing illicit maritime trafficking in the Gulf of Aden, West Indian Ocean, and parts of the Red Sea. The mission will now seek to enhance maritime security and build a more robust regional maritime security framework.
A notable development is the increased synergy between ATALANTA and Operation ASPIDES, which protects merchant shipping in the Red Sea. The Maritime Security Center has been rebranded as the MSC Indian Ocean, with an expanded role to support these maritime operations.
The EU’s missions will also focus on supporting Somali security institutions, providing strategic advice, mentoring, and training to help Somalia gradually take responsibility for its own security. This approach aligns with the Joint EU-Somalia Roadmap and will be supported by equipment funding through the European Peace Facility.
