The objective of EUCAP Somalia is to assist this country instrengthening its maritime security capacity, so that maritime law is enforced more effectively. The EU military mission EUTM Somalia contributes to thecapacity building of Somali National Army (SNA).

The EU has acomprehensive approach in Somaliabased on active diplomacy and support to the political process, security support, development assistance and humanitarian aid. It aims to tackle both the symptoms and root causes of piracy. The EU support includes the two missions prolonged today, as well as EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta, the EU military operation countering piracy off the coast of Somalia. The operation was prolonged on 28 November 2016 until 31 December 2018.

EUCAP Somalia

The Council prolonged the mission until 31 December 2018. The mission is tasked with enhancing Somalia'smaritimecivilian law enforcement capacity, for example, reinforcing the Somali capacity to carry out fisheries inspections,counter smuggling and fight piracy, supporting Somali authorities in developing the necessarylegislationand strengthening the criminal justice chain in the maritime domain, and providingtraining and equipment.

EUCAP Nestor (now EUCAP Somalia) was launched in July 2012. Its mandate was to assist countries from the Horn of Africa and Western Indian Ocean regionsdevelopaself-sustaining capacityfor continuedenhancement of maritime security, including counter-piracy and maritime governance. It was decided that the mission should focus on Somalia, which is now reflected in the renaming of the mission. The head of the mission is Maria-Cristina Stepanescu (Romania).

EUTM Somalia

The EU military mission contributes to the capacity building of Somali National Army with the three pillar approach, training, mentoring and advising.EUTM Somaliawas also prolonged until 31 December 2018, with a budget of close to €23 million for the period from 1 January 2017 until 31 December 2018. It aims to contribute to strengthening the transitional federal government and the defence and security institutions of this country. The mission commander is Brigadier General Maurizio Morena (Italy).