The European Union has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean.
Speaking on Monday in Mombasa, EU Ambassador to Kenya Henriette Geiger said the EU’s naval mission, Operation ATALANTA, would continue until at least the end of 2027.
“Piracy is under control, but if we stop patrolling, it will flare up again. That is the assessment of the operation,” Geiger told reporters during a visit attended by 15 EU ambassadors.
Launched in 2008, EU NAVFOR ATALANTA is a naval force operation, and has played a central role in securing one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.
According to the EU Naval Force, the mission has seen the arrest of 177 pirates since its inception, with 145 convictions, while protecting more than 2,500 vessels chartered by the World Food Programme (WFP) to deliver humanitarian aid to Somalia.
Beyond piracy, the mission has expanded its mandate to counter illegal fishing, arms and drug trafficking, and to support search-and-rescue operations at sea.
In 2022, the EU broadened ATALANTA’s role to help degrade threats posed by the Al-Shabaab militant group, including enforcing a UN arms embargo.
Spanish Frigate Victoria, an EU naval ship port call included joint exercises with the Kenyan Navy, underscoring what the EU describes as a “pivotal” security partnership with Kenya - a key maritime actor in the region.
“Europe’s security does not stop at its borders. Here in the Western Indian Ocean, Europe's security, Africa’s stability and global maritime freedom meet,” Geiger said.
Kenya has partnered with Operation ATALANTA since 2008, hosting regular port calls and joint drills with the Kenyan Navy and Coast Guard.
The EU has backed this cooperation, allocating 20 million euros to the Kenya Defence Forces, including 4.5 million euros to strengthen Kenya’s naval capabilities under the European Peace Facility (EPF) 2024.
The funding supports the development of a Kenyan naval infantry force, equipping marine commandos, special boat units and clearance diving unit.
The EU has also extended related security missions, including EUTM Somalia and EUCAP Somalia through 2027, with Kenya hosting support cells for both missions in Nairobi.
Geiger said future decisions on extending naval operations would be made in consultation withI ndian Ocean coastal states.
“The presence of 15 EU ambassadors here today is a testament to our unwavering commitment to this mission, to our partnership with Kenya, and to regional maritime security,” she said.
The EU also monitors and coordinates another mission, operation ASPIDES, addressing maritimet hreats linked to the Red Sea.
