Council Conclusions launching the pilot case of the Coordinated Maritime Presences concept in the Gulf of Guinea

Summary:

Set of conclusions adopted at a meeting of the Council of the European Union on 25 January 2021, launching the first pilot case of the Coordinated Maritime Presences (CMP) concept in the Gulf of Guinea.

Further information:

The CMP mechanism aims to increase the EU's capacity as a reliable partner and maritime security provider, offering greater operational engagement, ensuring a permanent maritime presence and outreach in Maritime Area of Interest (MAI) as established by the Council, and promoting international cooperation and partnership at sea.

These conclusions establish the Gulf of Guinea as a MAI and welcome the creation of the MAI Coordination Cell. The launch of this pilot is also seen as reinforcing the EU's efforts in the region, in line with the EU's Gulf of Guinea Strategy. It aims at supporting efforts by the coastal states and the organisations of the Yaoundé Architecture to address security challenges such as armed piracy and kidnapping for ransom, which undermine maritime security and good governance of the oceans.

Based on the results of the pilot case, the CMP concept may be used in other areas of EU interest. The implementation of this pilot case was up for review in January 2022.

Official

Council of the European Union: Press Release, 25/01/2021: Gulf of Guinea: Council conclusions launching the pilot case for the Coordinated Maritime Presences concept https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2021/01/25/gulf-of-guinea-council-conclusions-launching-the-pilot-case-for-the-coordinated-maritime-presences-concept/

EU EEAS: News, 25/01/2021: The EU launches its Coordinated Maritime Presences concept in the Gulf of Guinea https://eeas.europa.eu/headquarters/headquarters-homepage/91970/

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