Speaking at the European Security and Defence College (ESDC) course (Thessaloniki, 10-13 November) on “π»ππ πͺπππππππππ ππ πΊπππππππ π΄πππππππ π¨ππππ πππ πππ π¬πΌ”, I highlighted a critical reality: the EU’s maritime domains face interconnected threats – from piracy to terrorism, smuggling & arms trafficking – across three strategic theaters.
The EU deploysΒ ππππππ
ππ ππ¬π©π’πππ¬ π‘οΈ in the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz,Β ππππππ
ππ ππππ₯ππ§ππΒ βοΈ across the Indian Ocean and Horn of Africa, andΒ ππππππ
ππ ππ«π’π§π’Β ποΈ in the Mediterranean – protecting trade routes, disrupting piracy networks, enforcing arms embargoes, and countering maritime terrorism.
These aren’t isolated operations – they’reΒ the EU’s integrated approachΒ to maritime resilience and deterrence.
π¨ The challenge?Β Threats evolve faster than policy responses.Β When Houthi attacks escalate in the Red Sea, political focus and resources shift dramatically – leaving the Horn of Africa under-resourced while piracy networks resurge and smuggling networks expand. Tactical urgency crowds out a coordinated long-term maritime security architecture.
The CSDP isn’t just about naval presence; it’s aboutΒ ending this reactive cycle through integrated maritime architecture, persistent internal EU coordination, and strategic European autonomyΒ that could anticipate threats.
Former counter-terrorism expert at EEAS, former political and military advisor on EU CSDP missions & operations in Brussels. PhD International Relations, Strasbourg University.
