International cooperation
The Bundeswehr is to continue its involvement in the EU-led Operation Atalanta. The German government has decided to extend the mandate until 31 May 2021 with a ceiling of 400 on the number of troops that may be deployed. The decision must still be approved by the German Bundestag.
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A P-3 C Orion maritime surveillance aircraft over the Horn of Africa: under a parliamentary mandate, the German navy is protecting international maritime and trading routes in the area.
Photo: Bundeswehr/Christoph Plaisier
What are the goals of the EU operation?
The EU-led Naval Force Somalia Operation Atalanta is to protect international shipping around the Horn of Africa. In particular, it is to protect vessels of the United Nations World Food Programme and the African Union Mission in Somalia.
One important part of protecting shipping is fighting piracy. A properly functioning security system is also to be developed in Somalia, to enable the Somali authorities to assume full responsibility for ensuring safety and security throughout its territory including Somalia’s coastal waters in future.
Why will the deployment be continued?
Although much has already been achieved in the fight against piracy, the fragility of state structures in Somalia means that the criminal networks still exist. It is thus necessary to continue the European engagement in order to ensure the safety of international shipping.
The seas around the Horn of Africa are the main trade route between Europe, the Arabian peninsula and Asia. This area is crucially important for ensuring supplies to the European Union.
UN World Food Programme humanitarian relief destined for the suffering people in Somalia,. Yemen, South Sudan, Sudan and Ethiopia, however, also depends on safe shipping routes.
Why is Germany involved in the EU operation?
For Germany too, stability in the region and safe trade routes are crucially important. With its contribution, and the political support for the missions, Germany is making an important contribution to strengthening maritime security around the Horn of Africa and to stabilising the region. In future Germany will continue to be a reliable partner in the Horn of Africa.
What form does Germany’s involvement in Operation Atalanta take?
Up to 400 Bundeswehr troops may be deployed as part of the mission. Germany’s armed forces are involved in duties to achieve the goals of the mission. The duties include monitoring the area along and off the coast of Somalia. Measures are also to be taken to end piracy. Individuals involved in piracy are to be arrested and handed over to the security forces.
Intelligence tools are thus to be used to produce information on the situation, and civilian vessels are to be escorted.
What is the legal basis for Germany’s involvement?
The legal basis for the mission is the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the relevant resolutions of the United Nations Security Council.
The mission was also legitimated by the European Council Decision of 10 November 2008 and subsequent EU decisions.
Within the scope of the EU operation, German forces act within the framework of collective security and according to the rules that govern this, as laid out in Article 24 (2) of the German Basic Law or constitution.