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Fight against piracy
Piracy in the Western Indian Ocean has been a growing threat to security, international shipping and development since the mid-2000s.
European ministers on 26 June adopted a revised action plan on maritime security. With the new plan, Europe strengthens its commitment to security at sea – both at home and around the world.
Mutual support and cooperation between the three EU Missions deployed in the Horn of Africa was discussed at the meeting between Kenneth Deane, Civilian Operations Commander and his military counterpart, Esa Pulkkinen, Director of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability on 24 May in Mogadishu.
The EU will strengthen cooperation on security in Asia and with Asian partners, in view of the importance of the region to global stability and security and thus to European interests. Priority areas are maritime security, cyber security, counter terrorism, CSDP and peacekeeping operations, hybrid threats, conflict prevention and the proliferation of chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear weapons. Pilot cooperation projects will be developed with key partners to concretely advance shared interests in these areas.
The EU and Japan have concluded negotiations on a Strategic Partnership Agreement. Complementing the new economic deal agreed in December liberalising trade, the political deal aims to facilitate common solutions to common challenges, such as climate change, energy supply and threats to security. It will help the EU and Japan to jointly promote peace, stability and prosperity globally, as well as an open international system.
Two members of the ESDC staff attended a Hostile Environment Awareness Training (HEAT) organised by the European External Action Service. The training focused on awareness, recognition and prevention of dangerous or unwanted situations. In total, 20 people from the EU institutions received briefings about first aid, dealing with aggression, stress management and personal security. The knowledge acquired was applied in several exercises and role-plays.
