Joint Communication on the update of the EU Maritime Security Strategy and its Action Plan ‘An enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy for evolving maritime threats’

Summary:

Joint Communication adopted by the European Commission and the EU's High Representative for Foreign and Security Policy on 10 March 2023, updating the European Union's Maritime Security Strategy and its Action Plan.

Further information:

Maritime security is deemed vital to the European Union (EU) and to its Member States, which form the largest combined exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the world. The EU's economy depends greatly on safe and secure oceans, thus the global maritime domain must be secure. Since 2014, the European Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS) and its Action Plan have provided a framework for addressing security challenges at sea. The Action Plan was last updated in 2018.

However, the overall strategic environment has experienced drastic changes over recent years. It demands more action from the EU as an international security provider. In line with the EU's Strategic Compass, this Joint Communication introduces an update to the EUMSS and Action Plan to respond to the emerging challenges. It seeks to drive forward sustainable solutions to maritime security problems. It also aims to further enhance the EU's role internationally and further secure the EU's access to an increasingly contested maritime domain.

The Joint Communication was adopted by the European Commission on 10 March 2023.

Official

European Commission: Oceans and Fisheries: Maritime security strategy https://oceans-and-fisheries.ec.europa.eu/ocean/blue-economy/other-sectors/maritime-security-strategy_en

EU EEAS: Maritime Security https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/maritime-security_en

European Commission: Press Release, 10/03/2023: Maritime Security: EU updates Strategy to safeguard maritime domain against new threats https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_23_1483

European Commission: Questions and Answers on the EU Maritime Security Strategy (10 March 2023) https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/qanda_23_1482

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News

Reuters, 10/03/2023: EU to hold joint naval exercises amid growing maritime security threats https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/eu-hold-joint-naval-exercises-amid-growing-maritime-security-threats-2023-03-10/

Euronews, 10/03/2023: EU plans regular naval exercises and patrols to protect critical maritime infrastructure https://www.euronews.com/my-europe/2023/03/10/eu-plans-regular-naval-exercises-and-patrols-to-protect-critical-maritime-infrastructure

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