The Commission will launch a study on the links between piracy and terrorism

(B2) The European Commission will launch a study on piracy off the coast of Somalia. The objective is to grasp the origins, motivations, financial circuits and ramifications of piracy. In particular to know if there is really a link with the terrorists as the Americans suppose it, other rebel movements or if it is more a matter of organized crime. Or even all three at the same time. The results should be known next year. This is part of a broader action to fight against piracy on the seas of the globe. An indicative work program should be ready by the end of the year, to find solutions on the "maritime critical routes".

But the coordination of "piracy" action within the European Commission seems difficult. A first "interservice" meeting was organized at the end of September to examine what actions could be launched within the Commission and to have a "coherent message" vis-à-vis international organisations. The meeting was attended by representatives of DG MARE (fisheries and maritime policy), TREN (transport), JLS (justice), RELEX (external affairs), DEV (development), ENTR (business and industry). But nothing concrete has yet come out. If not to agree to meet again... in November. Apparently, there are quarrels in particular between the fishermen (DG MARE) and the transporters (DG TREN) to know who will be the leader of the group.

(NGV)