The European shipowners are pleased with the Council’s decision to extent the mandate of the EU capacity building mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia) until 31 December 2020. ‘The EU’s engagement in Somalia and the efforts the EU is deploying in this region has contributed to the dramatic decrease in piracy attacks in the region’ said ECSA’s Secretary General Martin Dorsman.

The adapted mandate will enhance Somalia’s maritime civilian law enforcement capacity, through supporting Somali authorities in developing the necessary legislation and in setting up judicial authorities and providing the necessary mentoring, advice, training and equipment to Somali maritime civilian law enforcement entities. The mission also supports the Ministry of Internal Security and the police in carrying out their respective mandates in the security and defence area in Somalia.

EUCAP Somalia was launched six years ago, known as EUCAP Nestor, with the aim to assist east African nations to develop self-sustaining capacity for enhancement of maritime security, including to tackle piracy. Since 2016, it focuses solely on Somalia.

The Council also agreed on a budget for EUCAP Somalia of €66.1 million for the period 1 January 2019 until 31 December 2020.