The European Council has decided to extend the EU Naval Force Operation ATALANTA and the EU's military training mission in Somalia (EUTM Somalia) for two more years, until at least February 28, 2027, in response to regional instability and a resurgence of piracy.
Established in 2008, Operation ATALANTA has played a crucial role in reducing piracy in the Horn of Africa. Between 2009 and November 2024, the mission protected over 2,400 ships, delivered 3.2 million tonnes of aid, and intercepted nearly 16,000 kilos of narcotics. While piracy attacks had dropped to zero between 2020-2022, 2024 saw a concerning rise, with 19 attacks and 15 suspicious approaches recorded.
The renewed mandate expands ATALANTA's scope to include the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, and parts of the West Indian Ocean. The mission will enhance maritime security, combat illicit trafficking, and collaborate more closely with Operation ASPIDES, which protects shipping in the Red Sea. Additionally, the Maritime Security Center Horn of Africa will be rebranded as MSC Indian Ocean to improve regional coordination.
The European Council also extended EUTM Somalia, which provides training and strategic advice to the Somali National Armed Forces, as well as the EU's civilian capacity-building mission (EUCAP Somalia), which supports the Somali Police Force and strengthens maritime law enforcement.
These decisions follow a strategic review to reinforce the EU's role as a maritime security provider and address the evolving challenges in the Horn of Africa.