The EU will release 37 million euros against piracy in the Indian Ocean (update)

(BRUSSELS2) The European Union will provide €37 million to strengthen the fight against piracy in several countries in eastern and southern Africa, the European Commission announced today (21 May). This funding is part of the Regional Maritime Security Promotion Program (MASE) led by the European Commission.

« This new European support marks a step forward in the fight against piracy as it demonstrates the EU's continued commitment to tackling this complex problem explained the Commissioner for Development, Andris Piebalgs in a press release (*). " Improving security on maritime routes is crucial for us as it will help boost trade and growth in the region, which should significantly improve people's lives. ». « We have made tremendous progress over the past few years. This new funding is part of our overall approach to assisting countries in the region. It means that we treat the causes as well as the symptoms of piracy. added the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs, Catherine Ashton.

This program targets several types of actions:

• develop the legal and judicial systems, so that they are better equipped for the arrest and transfer of pirates;
• strengthen financial controls, providing training to authorities to control the movement of funds that contribute to or result from piracy;
• building capacity (eg sharing expertise and implementing training), and providing significant logistical support that will help with security, surveillance and patrols along the coast;
• carry out anti-piracy awareness campaigns in areas "where piracy is widespread" (= in Somalia);
• provide young men, particularly targeted by piracy, training to find alternatives to piracy (= in Somalia). 

Comment: one may be quite surprised not to see the "Eucap Nestor" mission mentioned at the bottom of the "background" note of the press release. While the EUCAP Nestor mission and the MASE program would normally complement each other perfectly. One providing direct expertise, the other financial and material resources. As for the Marsic mission, which is nevertheless financed by the European Commission under the Instrument for Stability, it is not even mentioned! The "global approach", however systematically praised by the European institutions, takes a hit. It's not very serious!

(*) press release published only in English. Translation by us.