The path towards a comprehensive and effective EU Maritime Security Strategy

14.05 - 14.05.2014, Representation of Lower Saxony to the EU

After a joint communication issued by the European Commission and the HR/VP on 06 March outlining central elements, the EU Maritime Security Strategy was finally adopted by the Council on 24 June. During the hot phase of the Council negotiations in May, the European Security Round Table set up a conference with the Presidency to provide some valuable input for the discussions and to keep up the momentum.

The conference “The path towards a comprehensive and effective EU Maritime Security Strategy” was held on 14 May at the Representation of Lower Saxony. Around 80 participants from Member State Representations, the Commission, NATO, Think Tanks and the private Sector discussed the issue of Maritime Security in the context of CSDP, Critical Maritime Infrastructure Protection, Maritime Surveillance and how to fight criminal activities at the seas.

In addition to a keynote delivered by EU Commissioner Damanaki, the EU Special Representative for the Horn of Africa, Alexander Rondos briefed the audience on the situation and the maritime challenges in the region while Ambassador Alexandra Papadopoulou, Director General for European Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Hellenic Republic commented on Greece’s position on the strategy.

During his closing remarks, the Italian PSC Ambassador Alessandro Cortese, representing the upcoming presidency, confirmed that the implementation of the strategy will be one of the top priorities of the Presidency. Following this direction, the European Security Round Table will continue to follow this issue.


Up-coming activities*

* For more information about ESRT events:
Christoph Raab
+49 17623881469
info@security-round-table.eu