With the misgivings of the start-up period behind them, and in spite of ongoing difficulties, the EU member states have no reluctance whatsoever over continuing the operation or developing it further. Several options for Atalanta’s future are being discussed, but the guiding principles have already been agreed: geographical extension of the operation to the Seychelles, tactical evolution, prolongation and a solution for the medium and long term (training for the Somali army and stabilisation of Somalia).

EXTENSION

The 27 member states have given the green light, confirmed on 19 May at a meeting of the Political and Security Committee (PSC), to extension of the mission to the south-eastern section of the zone, around the Seychelles (the option of an overall extension to the Indian Ocean was rejected). The request was made by Spain, backed by Greece and France, based partly on the need to protect tuna fishermen (mainly Spanish and French), whose fishing zone has been reduced.

This extension requires review of the operation plan (OpPlan), the positioning and number of forces required and above all tactics to counter acts of piracy in this huge area. It also requires the signature of several agreements with the Seychelles, for entry into its territorial waters and use of its ports, a status of forces agreement (SOFA) and the possible transfer of arrested pirates. These agreements should be accompanied by financial and material support for the islands (and for Kenya).

TACTICAL EVOLUTION

Extension of the zone also requires a ‘review of tactics’. “The means used in the Gulf of Aden cannot be used in the Seychelles,” confirmed Atalanta’s Commander, Phil Jones. “Pirates can use more isolated bases in the region.” This new tactic could include more precise action with regard to parent vessels (location, neutralisation and arrest), using more air detection means (satellites, maritime patrol aircraft) and intelligence.

OTHER PROVISIONS

Several sets of agreements are in progress with third countries, on the one hand for participating in the operation through material or men (Switzerland, Croatia, Ukraine), and on the other for judging arrested pirates (Oman, Tanzania, Seychelles) or facilitating their transfer (Djibouti) to other states.

Discussions are held regularly, in particular with NATO and the American CTF151 coalition, to coordinate operations.

PROLONGATION

EU officials announced their intention, at their informal meeting in Prague last March, to prolong this mission beyond its initial one-year length. “All the ministers’ comments on this subject show that they are inclined to continue,” noted Javier Solana, high representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy. The United Kingdom has proposed to continue to use Northwood and several states have said they are willing to contribute to the operation. Another force generation conference could be held in September.

STABILISATION OF SOMALIA

At a donors’ conference in Brussels, on 23 April, the international community pledged US$213 million, or €165 million, to support the African Union’s peacekeeping mission in Somalia (AMISOM) and the creation of a Somali police force. This is one third more than what was initially sought by the United Nations. More than half the amount will come from the EU.

The EU Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Louis Michel, confirmed that €72 million would be released under the EU budget: €60 million for AMISOM and €12 million for the police force (a year’s training and the salaries of 10,000 Somali policemen). On top of this amount, EU member states will contribute around €15 million (Spain €6 million, Italy €4 mn, the Netherlands €1.4 mn and Belgium €500,000). The European Commission is also providing Somalia with funding of €18 million under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) for development of the rule of law, and €48 million for humanitarian aid (financed by ECHO).

NEW ESDP MISSION

Based on a French initiative, presented on 18 May at the Council of defence ministers, the Council’s services have begun studying the possibility of an ESDP mission aimed at supporting the process of reform of Somalia’s security sector (SSR). The ultimate aim is the creation of a strong force of around 6,000 men.

At the conference for the international community, France agreed to train 500 men (a battalion) starting in September. A brief (six-week) training course would be provided, relying on the French forces based in Djibouti (FFDJ). The Arab countries also agreed to finance the salaries paid directly to the Somali government (US$3 million a month for six months). Other countries (Egypt) will provide material support (uniforms).

The aim is to transform this bilateral initiative into a European operation, what is known as an SSR (security sector reform) mission. The size would be different from the SSR mission in the Congo or the future Althea II mission in Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the objective would be the same: to train a modern, effective and democratic army. It would be an ‘offshore’ mission, since the soldiers would not be trained in Somalia – owing to the danger involved – but in foreign bases: Djibouti or Burundi (where the UN has a training base) are mentioned frequently.

OTHER PROJECTS

Other ideas have been developed to combat piracy, in particular the creation of counter-piracy centres and strengthening of the coast guards of neighbouring countries (Yemen, Djibouti). Another idea is to improve the training of sea-going staff of merchant vessels or even to place armed (private) guards aboard such vessels. The maritime sector has its doubts about the latter solution, doubts shared by Atalanta officials. “This would contribute to an escalation of the violence and it is no solution for dealing with the pirates,” explained Atalanta’s Commander, Phil Jones.