The European Union (EU) has extended the mandates of Operation Atalanta and the EU Training Mission (EUTM) Somalia, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Horn of Africa and Somalia region.
Last December, the EU Council extended the mandates of Operation Atalanta and EUTM Somalia to 28 February 2027. This decision follows a previous one on 5 December to maintain the EU civilian capacity-building mission (EUCAP Somalia) until the same date.
An EU statement explained that these decisions were made following a comprehensive strategic review of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) engagement in Somalia and the Horn of Africa. The goal is to enhance the EU’s response to evolving security challenges and strengthen its role as a maritime security provider.
The extension of Operation Atalanta aims to enhance maritime security off the coast of Somalia, in the Gulf of Aden, the West Indian Ocean, and parts of the Red Sea. The goal is to build a wider regional maritime security framework, continuing the fight against piracy and reducing illicit trafficking at sea. Synergies with Operation Aspides, which currently protects merchant shipping in the Red Sea, will be strengthened. The Maritime Security Centre (MSC) Horn of Africa, which supports both Atalanta and Aspides, will be rebranded as MSC Indian Ocean with an enhanced role.
In Somalia, the EU’s action will focus on supporting the build-up of Somali Security Forces and institutions, aligning with the Joint EU-Somalia roadmap. EUCAP and EUTM Somalia will help develop capable, sustainable, and accountable Somali security institutions through strategic advice, mentoring, training, and EU-funded equipment support via the European Peace Facility (EPF). The missions will also support capacity-building efforts of regional maritime security forces, particularly in Djibouti.
With ATALANTA being an integral part of the EU´s approach to the Horn of Africa, the Operation supports its sister missions EUCAP-Somalia and EUTM-Somalia, maintains close linkages with EU representations across the area and contributes to the implementation of EU programmes aimed to enhance the regional maritime security architecture.
All activities will uphold EU core values, paying particular attention to international humanitarian law, human rights, preventing gender-based violence, protecting children in armed conflicts, and promoting the agendas of women, peace, security, climate, and defense.
