1. The EU Maritime Security Strategy
+ Action Plan
Dr Marcus HOUBEN, CMPD / EEAS

2. Agenda 1. Process - Content 2. Joint Comm. - Strategy - Action Plan 3
Agenda 1. Process - Content 2. Joint Comm. - Strategy - Action Plan 3. Implementation 4. Lessons Learned

3. Timeline - April 2010: Request to HR to prepare options (ES) - Second half 2012: Work starts (CY) - March 2014: Joint Communication (EL) - June 2014: EU MSS (EL) - December 2014: Action Plan (IT) Onwards: Implementation (LV – Lux – NLD)

4. The beginning
The European Council decides in April 2010 under the Spanish Presidency to request the High Representative:
" …to undertake work with a view to preparing options for the possible elaboration of a Security Strategy for the global maritime domain, including the possible establishment of a Task Force. Work will take place in the context of CFSP/CSDP, within the framework of the European Security Strategy…"

5. First attempt (2010)
The Spanish Presidency seconds a naval officer to CMPD take the work
on a European Maritime security Strategy forward.
The first draft is a military strategy in which one tries to accommodate or
find a role for the European Commission.
But the Commission does not want to be accommodated…
…and the work grinds to a halt.

6. Second attempt (2012)
-Under the Cypriot Presidency (second semester 2012) maritime
security is again placed on the European agenda.
-Reason for the EEAS to try once more.
-Now the European Commission is involved from the start as an
equal partner, for example by co-chairing the Inter Service Group
that coordinated the work (DG Mare – fisheries and EEAS).
-Commission agrees and the work begins in earnest.
-There are however high levels of distrust to be overcome.

7. Second attempt (cont'd, 2013)
-Distrust/apprehension exists in particular with DG MOVE
(responsible for maritime transport security) and DG HOME
(responsible for external borders, Frontex, the coordination of immigration
policies of EU MS).
-Much time and energy is invested in building mutual confidence.
In the end the Commission agrees to commit itself to a 'cross-sectoral'
approach to maritime security and the principle of 'functional integrity'.
-But, no guarantees for success…
-Pressure is raised in 2013 by several 'maritime' MS, amongst others by
having Council Conclusions with specific instructions and timelines.

8. For example: Council Conclusions on CSDP in Nov 2013
"…to adopt by June 2014 an EU Maritime Security Strategy, on the basis of elements provided by a joint Communication from the European Commission and the High Representative to be presented by early 2014"
"…It stresses the importance of safeguarding the EU’s strategic maritime security interests against a broad range of risks and threats, enhancing EU and Member States’ capabilities, and working comprehensively, making optimal use of existing structures and regulatory frameworks, and in coordination with all relevant actors, to respond to maritime challenges in strategic areas "

9. And: European Council on Defence in December 2013
"New security challenges continue to emerge. Europe's internal and external security dimensions are increasingly interlinked. To enable the EU and its Member States to respond, in coherence with NATO efforts, the European Council calls for:
…an EU Maritime Security Strategy by June 2014, on the basis of a joint Communication from the Commission and the High Representative, taking into account the opinions of the Member States, and the subsequent elaboration of action plans to respond to maritime challenges; "

10. What form and content of the EU MSS?
-HR (EEAS) and Commission were requested 'to prepare options'.
-Decision to publish the EU MSS in the form of a Joint Communication
Of the HR and the Commission to the European Parliament and the
Council (= Member States).
-Title: For an open and secure global maritime domain:
elements for a European Union maritime security strategy
-The prerogative of MS to adopt the Strategy is respected, the 'Services'
provide the elements for the strategy.

11. The Joint Communication 'Elements for an EU MSS'
Adopted 10 March 2014
With the full support and consent of the European Commission
Source document for the EU MSS
Translated into a 'fully fledged' strategy by MS under Greek
Presidency.

12. Core concepts -The EU Maritime Security Strategy is a foundation document based on the EU Security Strategy and the Integrated Maritime Policy. -It is not a blue-print but a process, it sets out the EU approach to maritime security. -The strategy brings together different maritime security stakeholders in a single and strategic framework.

13. The point of departure are the EU's strategic maritime interests and the maritime risks and threats

14. Maritime Europe: some facts and figures
The EU is a single continent with 70,000 km coastline along two
oceans and four seas: the Atlantic and Arctic Ocean, the Baltic,
the Black Sea, the Mediterranean and the North Sea.
2. Of its 28 Member States, 23 are coastal states and
26 are Flag States.
3. EU MS together have more than 1200 commercial ports
4. 90% of the EU's external trade and 40% of its internal trade is transported by sea
5. Merchant ships make more than port calls per year in EU ports and more than 400 million passengers pass through EU ports each year.
6. EU Member States are responsible for the control of their coastline and territorial seas in addition to overseas territories and national security installations throughout other oceans.
7. There are in Europe over 400 agencies with some responsibility for maritime security.

15. 1. A Maritime Security Strategy for the European Union
-Member States adopted the EU's first ever maritime security strategy on 24 June 2014.
-The aim of this presentation is to explain the thinking behind the EU's approach to maritime security and to look at it from a partnership perspective.

16. 2. General considerations
-The EU dependence on open, protected and secure seas and oceans for economic development, free trade, transport, energy security, tourism and good status of the marine environment
-The requirement to better coordinate internal – external security, to strengthen civil-military interaction and international cooperation
-Maritime security: a priority topic for many strategic partners
-The EU has global interests, ambitions and responsibilities, the EU aspires to a 'global maritime security provider', contributing to 'global disaster relief and crisis response'
Why does the EU need an EU Maritime Security Strategy ?
Maritime security matters. Ensuring the security of our seas and oceans is a prime objective of the EU. Our citizens expect effective responses to the protection of ports and off-shore installations, securing our sea-borne trade, addressing potential threats from criminal activities at sea or possible disputes of maritime boundaries. We are however living in a more and more complex world and we have to face threats such as armed conflicts, terrorism, drug smuggling, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, piracy attacks and cross border crime. These threats cannot be addressed by any single actor or Nation..
The EU is very dependent on the maritime domain. The facts speak for themselves: Some 90 % of the EU’s external trade and 40 % of its internal trade is transported by sea. The EU is the third largest importer and the fifth global producer of fisheries and aquaculture. More than 400 million passengers pass through EU ports each year. The EU depends on open, safe seas and oceans for free trade, transport, tourism, ecological diversity, and for economic development. Failing to protect against a wide array of maritime threats and risks may result in the seas and oceans becoming arenas for international conflicts, terrorism or organised crime.
There is a clear requirement to better coordinate internal – external security, to strengthen civ-mil interaction and cooperation, and to reduce the cost and complexity of the current set-up. What we need is a strategic cross-sectoral approach and a coordinated response to maritime security threats

17. Example Operation Atalanta
-'Cooperation at sea often has a positive spill over in other policy areas'
-Gulf of Aden 'arena for international cooperation'
-EU has FPA with 16 countries
-Partner countries strengthen ties with EU through
CSDP missions.
-EU – China exercise

18. Example irregular migration
Humanitarian issue with possible security implications
Requires policy coordination, cross borders and across sectors
Requires multi stakeholder engagement and information sharing

19. 3. Key tenets underpinning the Strategy -The EU approach to maritime security must be cross-sectoral, it must bring together different policy sectors, civil and military into a single strategic framework and approach -The scope of the strategy must be global and link internal and external security It must strengthen collaboration between European Commission – European External Action Service – EU Member States
Let me highlight three key tenets underpinning the Strategy:   
In the maritime domain many different policy sectors come together: defence, crisis management, home affairs, customs, maritime transport, environmental protection, economic activities fisheries, tourism, the protection of our critical maritime infrastructure etc. etc. It thus became manifest that an EU approach to maritime security, would need to take into consideration all of these challenges, many of them conducted under Commission lead, going beyond the limits of a single sector, or in our case the, external or CSDP aspects only. The term we eventually settled for is that of a "cross-sectoral" approach to maritime security.
The second aspect pertains to the long-term discussion of internal vs. external security. It appeared that in the maritime domain the external dimension of some of the Commission's internal policies was very advanced and articulate. EU's strategic maritime interests are truly global, they are not limited to Europe's shores or territorial seas. The EU not only has maritime interests, it has also (global) maritime responsibilities.
The work on an EU approach to maritime security was thus a good opportunity to create a shared strategic framework that would allow a more joined-up approach to maritime security. That would include both the external and internal dimensions of security. This approach is a direct implementation of the Lisbon Treaty – and constitutes a new approach.
And this leads me to the third aspect: we need clearly needed Commission buy-in to proceed on this important work - for both the process and the product, together with EU Member States.

20. 4. Strategic objectives of the Strategy: -Make the most of existing national capacities -Strengthen capacity for global partnerships -Promote cost-effectiveness -Strengthen solidarity amongst Member States
In implementing the strategy there are also important strategic objectives to bear in mind.

21. 5. Strategic maritime interests of the EU (excerpts) The security of the EU, its Member States and their citizens… The preservation of freedom of navigation, the protection of the global EU supply chain and of maritime trade… The protection of economic interests…the sustainable exploitation of natural and marine resources… The effective management of the Union’s maritime external borders and maritime areas of EU interest… The protection of the environment and the management of the impact of climate change in maritime areas and coastal regions, as well as the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity...

22. 6. Maritime security risks and treats (excerpts) Threats or use of force against Member States’ rights and jurisdiction over their maritime zones… Threats to the security of European citizens… Cross-border and organized crime…Terrorism and other intentional unlawful acts at sea and in ports… The proliferation of weapons of mass destruction… Environmental risks, including unsustainable and unauthorized exploitation of natural and marine resources, threats to biodiversity…natural or man-made disasters, extreme events and climate change…
What are the perceived risks and threats?

23. 7. Organising the EU approach A
7. Organising the EU approach A. Common Principles principles that all stakeholders can sign up to and that form the foundation of the cross-sectoral approach to maritime security B. Work Strands areas of better cooperation where on the basis of the common principles specific actions are foreseen

24. 8. Common principles a. A cross-sectoral approach (=Comprehensive approach) b. Functional integrity (=no changes in existing mandates or competences, no transfer of sovereignty from capitals to Brussels) c. Maritime Multilateralism (=effective cooperation with partner countries and organisations) d. Respect for Rules and Principles (=the EU is a community of values, the maritime strategy underlines or manifests these values in the maritime domain, e.g. human rights, rules-based good governance).

25. 9. Areas of Implementation ('work strands') 1
9. Areas of Implementation ('work strands') 1. External Action (including the role of navies) 2. Maritime Awareness, surveillance and information sharing 3. Capability Development 4. Risk management, protection of critical maritime infrastructure and crisis response 5. Maritime security research and innovation, education and training
How will this be turned into meaningful action? The strategy will result in 5 work strands in the following areas:

26. 10. Examples of objectives and specific actions under each Work Strand
a. Work strand 'External Action'
"Enhancing the visibility of the EU in the global maritime domain"
"Reinforcing the preparation for future maritime security contingencies…"
"The conduct of maritime security capacity building activities…"
1. External Action: The maritime domain is a truly global domain. But there are very few organisations that have the global reach to sustain operations far away from home for a considerable period of time. Operation Atalanta is in this regard a perfect example of navies making a difference in delivering on that ambition to be a global maritime security provider by combatting piracy off the coast of Somalia.
Atalanta is a very visible token of EU engagement, and we are aiming to enhance this visibility further, inter alia through exercises with international partners like China. End we need to learn and implement the lessons from stepping up and maintaining such a maritime operation within the EU framework.
One further work on European Navies: they play a vital role in safeguarding the EU's strategic maritime security interests and protecting against maritime risks and threats. They provide the EU and Member States with the required global reach, flexibility and sustainability and the ocean going capacity of European navies is a critical European capability that constitutes an essential element in the cross-sectoral approach to maritime security.
Off similar importance is the conduct of maritime security capacity building activities – enabling our partners and hosts to take responsibility for their own security, like we are currently doing with EUCAP NESTOR or EUBAM Libya or the Commission with various programs in East and West Africa.
Other practical steps could include: Support third countries in establishing and upgrading their capabilities for Search and Rescue in line with international obligations by providing specific training and support to third countries for their SAR operations.

27. b. Workstrand 'Maritime awareness, surveillance and information sharing'
"Supporting maritime surveillance in …the global maritime domain and the planning and conduct of CSDP missions and operations"
Proposed actions in the current version of the plan:
Continue to improve civil-military and cross-border cooperation and the interoperability of systems for maritime surveillance and maritime security within the framework of the respective Member State and EU authorities and responsibilities. Practical steps could include: Improving cross-sectorial cooperation (civil-civil, civil-military and military-military, Agencies included) in maritime security by creating and disseminating non-binding EU-guidelines and best practices.
Coordinate the research efforts of the EU and Member States to develop technologies to increase the capacities for prediction, surveillance and risk mitigation, including Complementing space based technology with the civilian application of RPAS to ensure global awareness, for example through the elaboration of a Concept of Operations document, detailing specific information needs.
Promote greater sharing of best practices, risk analysis and threat information amongst all relevant fora. In terms of practical outcomes this could include the continued development of a Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) for the maritime domain in particular to improve civil-military technical interoperability and information exchange.

28. c. Work strand 'Capability development'
"…development of dual-use and multipurpose capabilities…"
"…creating synergies between information, capabilities and systems managed by civilian and military authorities "
"…greater sharing of best practices, risk analysis and threat information…among…the European Coast Guard Functions Forum and the Chiefs of European Navies..."
Mobilise EU research and innovation related activities, in particular Horizon 2020 in order to promote capability development projects in the field of maritime security. Practical examples:
Make best use of and create synergies between information, capabilities and systems managed by civilian and military authorities up to multipurpose and multinational missions so that certain tasks currently performed at national level can be carried out in common.
Identify areas where standardisation and certification can improve efficiency and reduce the cost of maritime capabilities by enabling cross-national assets maintenance and training of maintenance personnel.
Identify capability areas and technologies that could benefit from continued investment, improving harmonisation for better interoperability, standardisation and certification.
Promote greater sharing of best practices, risk analysis and threat information amongst all relevant fora such as the European Coast Guard Functions Forum and the Chiefs of European Navies, taking into account the maritime operational plans in force between Member States and the regional agreements in the EU.

29. d. Work strand 'Risk management, protection of critical maritime infrastructure and crisis response'
"Enhancing cross-sectoral as well as cross border cooperation for maritime crisis response and planning on maritime security contingencies…"
Examples from the Action Plan include:
Take initiatives on enhanced civil-military and cross-border cooperation for maritime crisis response and contingency planning in relation to new and defined security threats, taking into account the principle of solidarity. Assess the resilience of maritime transport to man-made and natural disasters and climate change.
Pursue a shared and comprehensive approach to maritime security risk management. Develop the risk management model between Agencies and Member States for maritime security by reviewing the present situation in order to identify needs, possible overlaps and gaps.
Promote the implementation of climate risk and vulnerability assessments and establishment of adaptation and risk management measures for (critical) maritime infrastructure.
Take appropriate actions, including the sharing of best practices in order to mitigate the related risks.
Compile lessons learned from R&D on resilient supply chains for maritime transport logistics to withstand shocks from terrorist attacks or other equivalent acts to critical infrastructures (like hubs, ports, maritime routes).

30. e. Work strand 'Maritime security research and innovation, education and training'
"Establishing a civil-military agenda for maritime security research…"
"Establishing … networks for knowledge and competence development for civilian and military educational institutes…"
"…conduct of inter-agency, joined-up exercises…"
Potential practical examples could include:
Establish a civil-military technology roadmap for maritime security research including the development of dual-use and multipurpose capabilities.
Mobilise EU research and innovation related activities, in particular Horizon 2020 in order to promote capability development projects in the field of maritime security, involving maritime authorities, including EU agencies, in order to better align research activities with user requirements and to overcome the fragmentation for security demand at the EU level among European suppliers.
Establishing … networks for knowledge and competence development for civilian and military educational institutes…"
Further support and develop common Coast Guard specialised high level training, building on the EU Agencies Qualification Frameworks.
Promote public-private partnerships to accelerate technology development.
Seek active involvement of industry stakeholders and social partners developing a European Industrial Strategy based on a common understanding of the degree of autonomy to maintain in critical technology areas creating conditions enabling European companies to operate freely in all Member States.

31. 11. Action Plan -Adopted on 16 December 2014 under Italian Presidency
11. Action Plan -Adopted on 16 December 2014 under Italian Presidency concrete and specific actions. -Outreach and communication to MS and partners crucial.
Ladies and Gentlemen, that is where we stand now.
Work has now begun, under the leadership of the Italian presidency of the Council, to implement the EU MSS through the elaboration of an Action Plan. The political endorsement of the Action Plan is expected for the end of 2014.
The Action Plan should implement concrete actions and measures that give new energy to the Common Security and Defence Policy. It should support a structured approach between the EU's internal and external maritime policies, identify ways and means to better coordinate or even 'join-up' internal and external policies and capitalise on synergies at the strategic, operational and tactical level. It should enhance 'pooling and sharing' practices and contribute to the development of the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) that would benefit both the civilian and military domain. The ultimate achievement of the Action Plan is to create a situation in which the Union is capable of adequately delivering maritime security at an affordable cost, thus making the EU approach to maritime security both effective and sustainable.
This ends my presentation. My key message is: Maritime Security Matters, also and in particular for the EU and its Member States.
I am sure that our current work helps in achieving this. With this positive message, I am ready to answer the questions you may have.
Thank you

32. Lessons Learned - The quality of the process determined the quality of the product. - Use Council Conclusions to inject direction and discipline in the political process. - Complexity is a fact of life in the EU (and you cannot simplify your way out). > Masters of complexity !

33. Relevant documents online
Joint Communication: -
EU MSS: -
202014%20INIT
Action Plan: -
Q&As: -

34. Thank you