# EU extends Operation Atalanta and EUTM Somalia

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2025/02/eu-extends-operation-atalanta-and-eutm-somalia/
- Published: 2025-02-02T10:53:21+01:00
- Author: Military Africa

The European Union (EU) has extended the mandates of Operation Atalanta and the 
EU Training Mission (EUTM) Somalia, emphasizing the strategic importance of the 
Horn of Africa and Somalia region.

Last December, the EU Council extended the mandates of Operation Atalanta and EUTM
Somalia to 28 February 2027. This decision follows a previous one on 5 December 
to maintain the EU civilian capacity-building mission (EUCAP Somalia) until the 
same date.

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An EU statement explained that these decisions were made following a comprehensive
strategic review of the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) engagement in 
Somalia and the Horn of Africa. The goal is to enhance the EU’s response to evolving
security challenges and strengthen its role as a maritime security provider.

The extension of Operation Atalanta aims to enhance maritime security off the coast
of Somalia, in the Gulf of Aden, the West Indian Ocean, and parts of the Red Sea.
The goal is to build a wider regional maritime security framework, continuing the
fight against piracy and reducing illicit trafficking at sea. Synergies with Operation
Aspides, which currently protects merchant shipping in the Red Sea, will be strengthened.
The Maritime Security Centre (MSC) Horn of Africa, which supports both Atalanta 
and Aspides, will be rebranded as MSC Indian Ocean with an enhanced role.

In Somalia, the EU’s action will focus on supporting the build-up of Somali Security
Forces and institutions, aligning with the Joint EU-Somalia roadmap. EUCAP and EUTM
Somalia will help develop capable, sustainable, and accountable Somali security 
institutions through strategic advice, mentoring, training, and EU-funded equipment
support via the European Peace Facility (EPF). The missions will also support capacity-
building efforts of regional maritime security forces, particularly in Djibouti.

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With ATALANTA being an integral part of the EU´s approach to the Horn of Africa,
the Operation supports its sister missions **EUCAP-Somalia** and **EUTM-Somalia**,
maintains close linkages with EU representations across the area and contributes
to the implementation of EU programmes aimed to enhance the regional maritime security
architecture.

All activities will uphold EU core values, paying particular attention to international
humanitarian law, human rights, preventing gender-based violence, protecting children
in armed conflicts, and promoting the agendas of women, peace, security, climate,
and defense.

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