The European Union has extended the mandates of its key missions in the Horn of Africa and Somalia, including Operation ATALANTA, the EU Military Training Mission (EUTM) Somalia, and the EU Capacity-Building Mission (EUCAP) Somalia, until February 2027.
The decision, made by the EU Council, comes after a comprehensive strategic review of the Union’s security and defense policies in the region. The renewed mandates aim to strengthen the EU’s response to evolving security challenges and to enhance its role in maritime security.
“We are committed to reinforcing our support for Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa region to foster stability and security,” said an EU spokesperson. “These missions will continue to address key issues like piracy, illicit trafficking, and the building of Somali security forces.”
Operation ATALANTA’s mandate has been updated to enhance maritime security off the coast of Somalia, in the Gulf of Aden, the Red Sea, and the West Indian Ocean. The operation will continue to fight piracy and tackle illegal maritime activities, while improving regional security cooperation. It will also work more closely with the maritime operation ASPIDES, which protects shipping in the Red Sea.
Meanwhile, EUCAP and EUTM Somalia will focus on building sustainable and accountable Somali security institutions through strategic advice, mentoring, and training. The EU missions will also offer equipment support via the European Peace Facility. Additionally, the missions will bolster maritime security forces in Djibouti and the surrounding region.
All activities under the renewed mandates will prioritize the EU’s core values, including international humanitarian law, human rights, gender equality, and climate security. These efforts are seen as part of the EU’s broader goal to enable Somalia to assume greater responsibility for its own security.
Since its launch in 2008, Operation ATALANTA has made significant strides in combating piracy and protecting vulnerable vessels, including those of the World Food Programme. EUCAP Somalia, launched in 2012, has focused on training and equipping Somalia’s police and strengthening maritime law enforcement capabilities, while EUTM Somalia has provided crucial support for developing Somalia’s National Armed Forces.
