The EU prepares to launch its first naval operation

In order to combat piracy off Somalia, the General Affairs and External Relations Council, meeting with Ministers for Defence present on 10 November 2008, decided to launch the EU's first ever naval operation (EU NAVFOR Somalia/Operation Atalanta).

Mr Hervé Morin, French Minister for Defence,
Mr Javier Solana, Secretary General/High Representative for the CFSP,
General Henri Bentegeat, President of the EU Military Committee
Photo: Council of the European Union

The operation, to begin in December 2008, is designed to help in providing protection for World Food Programme ships delivering food aid to displaced people in Somalia, in particular, as well as in preventing acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast.

Ministers also formally committed themselves to the development of civilian and military capabilities and to a European capabilities and armaments policy. Among the various initiatives, mention may be made of helicopter modernisation and crew training, a project for a future transport helicopter, the establishment of a European airlift fleet by 2014, the creation of a multinational A400M unit (strategic airlift), European air‑sea cooperation and the ability to project an airbase so as to speed up rapid force deployment in theatres of operation.

The European Defence Agency (EDA) will play a key role here, particularly in training pilots and upgrading helicopters.

For further information:
Council press release (pdf) 
Council webcast of press conference (Ministers for Defence) 
Council conclusions on the ESDP (pdf)

Forthcoming event
Agriculture and Fisheries Council meeting on 18 and 19 November 2008