Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/1059 of 4 April 2024 amending Joint Action 2008/851/CFSP on a European Union military operation to contribute to maritime security in the West Indian Ocean and in the Red Sea (EUNAVFOR ATALANTA)

1 The European Union (EU) shall conduct a military operation to contribute to maritime security in the West Indian Ocean and in the Red Sea (EUNAVFOR ATALANTA).

1a In support of Resolutions 1814 (2008), 1816 (2008), 1838 (2008), 1846 (2008) and 1851 (2008) and subsequent relevant Resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), in particular Resolution 2608 (2021), in a manner consistent with action permitted with respect to piracy under Article 100 et seq. of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea signed in Montego Bay on 10 December 1982 (hereinafter referred to as “the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea”) and by means, in particular, of commitments made with third States, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA shall contribute to: the protection of vessels of the World Food Programme (WFP) delivering food aid to displaced persons in Somalia, in accordance with the mandate laid down in UNSC Resolutions 1814 (2008) and 2608 (2021), and the protection of vulnerable vessels cruising off the Somali coast, and the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast, in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

2 The area of operations of the forces deployed to that end shall consist of the maritime areas off the coasts of Somalia and neighbouring countries within the region of the Indian Ocean, in accordance with the political objective of an EU maritime operation, as defined in the crisis management concept approved by the Council on 5 August 2008. In addition, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA may operate to the same end in the Somali territorial sea, where so authorised by the Somali government.

3 In addition, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA shall contribute on the high seas off the coast of Somalia, as secondary executive tasks, to the implementation of the United Nations arms embargo on Al-Shabaab in accordance with UNSC Resolutions 2182 (2014) and 2713 (2023) and to countering narcotic drugs trafficking off the coast of Somalia in the context of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances of 20 December 1988.

4 Furthermore, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA shall monitor, as a secondary non-executive task, narcotic drugs trafficking, arms trafficking, illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing and illicit trade in charcoal off the coast of Somalia in accordance with UNSC Resolutions 2498 (2019) and 2500 (2019) and consistent with the United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic In Narcotic Drugs And Psychotropic Substances of 20 December 1988.

5 EUNAVFOR ATALANTA may contribute, as a secondary non-executive task, within means and capabilities and upon request, to the EU’s integrated approach to Somalia and the relevant activities of the international community, thereby helping to address the root causes of piracy and its network.

6 The EU Military Staff shall support EUNAVFOR ATALANTA by identifying threats and conducting advance planning on decisive factors that could affect the operation, with a view to keeping the Political and Security Committee informed on such threats and factors.’;

1 The HR shall ensure the implementation of this Joint Action and its consistency with the Union’s external action as a whole, including the Union’s development programmes and its humanitarian assistance.

1a EUNAVFOR ATALANTA shall liaise closely with the shipping industry, in particular through the Maritime Security Centre — Horn of Africa (MSCHOA).

1b EUNAVFOR ATALANTA shall coordinate closely with the European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) established by Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/583 . In particular, EUNAVFOR ATALANTA shall, as much as possible, facilitate logistical support to EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and close liaison between EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and the shipping industry, in particular through the Maritime Security Centre — Horn of Africa (MSCHOA).

2 EUNAVFOR ATALANTA shall coordinate closely with other relevant CSDP missions and operations, in particular the European Union military mission to contribute to the training of Somali security forces (EUTM Somalia) established by Council Decision 2010/96/CFSP , the European Union Capacity Building Mission in Somalia (EUCAP Somalia) established by Council Decision 2012/389/CFSP and the Coordinated Maritime Presences in the North-West Indian Ocean.

2a EUNAVFOR ATALANTA shall cooperate with Operation AGENOR and shall exchange information with the European Maritime Awareness in the Strait of Hormuz (EMASoH) initiative.

2b EUNAVFOR ATALANTA shall cooperate with Operation Prosperity Guardian, with the Combined Maritime Forces and with willing States contributing to maritime security in its area of operation.

3 EUNAVFOR ATALANTA shall cooperate with the relevant Member State authorities and with relevant Union agencies and bodies, in particular the European Union Satellite Centre (SATCEN). It shall support, within means and capabilities, the relevant Union programmes.

4 EUNAVFOR ATALANTA shall be supported by SATCEN and by the European Union Intelligence and Situation Centre in gathering information as necessary to fulfil its tasks.

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.