Maritime security: EU becomes observer of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment

The EU will soon become a “friend” (i.e. observer) of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment, a regional cooperation framework aimed at combating piracy, armed robbery, human trafficking and other illegal maritime activities in the northwest Indian Ocean. including the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

The Council officially decided today to accept the invitation from the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment Secretariat. By becoming a “Friend” of the Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment, the EU demonstrates its strong support for an effective regional maritime security architecture, while strengthening its presence and commitment as a global maritime security provider in the fight against illegal activities at sea.

The northwest Indian Ocean is one of the most dynamic centers of economic growth in the world. With 80% of global trade passing through the Indian Ocean, it is crucial to guarantee freedom of navigation and protect the security and interests of the EU and its partners.

Background

The Djibouti Code of Conduct/Jeddah Amendment was signed in 2017 by 17 signatory states from the northwest Indian Ocean to promote regional cooperation and strengthen the capacity of signatory states to counter growing threats to maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. . The EU is a long-standing maritime security partner in the region.

Since 2008, Operation EUNAVFOR Atalanta has been fighting against piracy. More recently, with the launch of EUNAVFOR Aspides, the EU protects merchant ships crossing the Red Sea.

In parallel, the EU carries out capacity building missions, such as EUCAP Somalia, EUTM Somalia and EUTM Mozambique, as well as maritime security projects such as CRIMARIO II and EC SAFE SEAS AFRICA.

In 2022, the Council adopted conclusions on launching the concept of coordinated maritime presences in the North-West Indian Ocean, a framework for a strengthened role of the EU as guarantor of maritime security in the region and for cooperation with coastal States and regional maritime security organizations. .