The EU’s maritime security strategy (EUMSS) promotes international peace and security, as well as respect for international rules and principles, while ensuring the sustainability of the oceans and the protection of biodiversity. The EUMSS and its action plan are in place since 2014. The action plan was last updated in 2018. In March 2023 the European Commission and the High Representative adopted a 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
The 2023 update follows up on the Council conclusions on maritime security of June 2021, which called on the Commission and the High Representative to assess the need for an update.
Objectives
- protect EU interests at sea - citizens, economy, infrastructure, and borders
- protect our natural resources and the marine environment
- uphold international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
- react promptly and effectively to growing threats (e.g., cyber and hybrid threats)
- ensure relevant training and education to counter threats (e.g., cyber skills)
Actions
Step up activities at sea
- organise an annual naval exercise at EU level
- reinforce existing EU naval operations
- develop further coastguard in sea basins around the EU
- expand the Coordinated Maritime Presences concept to new maritime areas of interest
Cooperate with partners
- deepen EU-NATO cooperation
- enhance partnerships with likeminded countries, regional and international organisations
- deploy EU liaison officers to maritime information centres in non-EU countries
- promote dialogue and best practices through the coast guard function forums
Enhance maritime domain situational awareness
- strengthen the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) and MARSUR
- reinforce coastal and offshore patrol vessel surveillance
Manage risks and threats
- conduct regular live maritime exercises involving civil and military entities
- monitor and protect critical maritime infrastructure and ships from physical and cyber threats
- tackle unexploded ordnance and mines at sea
- develop further awareness and preparedness to tackle threats linked to climate change and environmental degradation
Boost capabilities
- develop common requirements and concepts for defence technologies in the maritime domain
- step up work on projects such as the European Patrol Corvette or improving anti-submarine capabilities
Educate and train
- boost hybrid and cyber security qualifications notably on the civilian side
- conduct training and joint exercises open to non-EU partners
Next steps
The Joint Communication of March 2023 has been discussed in Council and the draft revised strategy as well as a draft revised action plan incorporating input from the Member States have been provisionally agreed at the level of the EUMSS Working Party. Endorsement through Council Conclusions is expected in autumn 2023.