Maritime security strategy

The maritime security strategy promotes international peace and security, as well as respect for international rules and principles, while ensuring the sustainability of the oceans and the protection of biodiversity.

• protect EU interests at sea - citizens, economy, infrastructure, and borders
• protect our natural resources and the marine environment
• uphold international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea
• react promptly and effectively to growing threats (e.g., cyber and hybrid threats)
• ensure relevant training and education to counter threats (e.g., cyber skills)

Step up activities at sea

• organise an annual naval exercise at EU level
• reinforce existing EU naval operations
• develop further coastguard in sea basins around the EU
• expand the Coordinated Maritime Presences concept to new maritime areas of interest

Cooperate with partners

• deepen EU-NATO cooperation
• enhance partnerships with likeminded countries, regional and international organisations
• deploy EU liaison officers to maritime information centres in non-EU countries
• promote dialogue and best practices through the coast guard function forums

Enhance maritime domain situational awareness

• strengthen the Common Information Sharing Environment (CISE) and MARSUR
• reinforce coastal and offshore patrol vessel surveillance

Manage risks and threats

• conduct regular live maritime exercises involving civil and military entities
• monitor and protect critical maritime infrastructure and ships from physical and cyber threats
• tackle unexploded ordnance and mines at sea
• develop further awareness and preparedness to tackle threats linked to climate change and environmental degradation

Boost capabilities

• develop common requirements and concepts for defence technologies in the maritime domain
• step up work on projects such as the European Patrol Corvette or improving anti-submarine capabilities

Educate and train

• boost hybrid and cyber security qualifications notably on the civilian side
• conduct training and joint exercises open to non-EU partners

The Commission and the High Representative will issue a progress report within three years after the endorsement of the updated strategy by the Council.

In 2014, the Council adopted the first EU maritime security strategy, with an accompanying action plan. Since then, EU countries have worked with the European Commission and the EEAS to update the strategy and action plan in order to better respond to emerging threats and situations.

The revised strategy on maritime security builds on the previous strategy, a joint communication from March 2023 and extensive input from EU countries. It was approved by the Council in October 2023.

24 October 2023 Council conclusions on the Revised EU Maritime Security Strategy (EUMSS) and its Action Plan

10 March 2023 Update of the EU Maritime Security Strategy and its Action Plan: An enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy for evolving maritime threats

European Union Maritime Security Strategy

• European Security Union
• EU Global Strategy
• Common information sharing environment (CISE)
• Coast guard cooperation

Factsheet EU Maritime Security Strategy (2023)

European Union Maritime Security Strategy (2016)

Press release: Maritime security: Council approves revised EU strategy and action plan (24 October 2023)

Press release: Maritime Security: EU updates strategy to safeguard maritime domain against new threats  (2023)

Questions and answers on the EU Maritime Security Strategy (2023)

EU maritime security: from strategy to action (2020)