Somalia

The maritime military operation 'EU NAVFOR Somalia’ (operation Atalanta) is the first maritime EU-led operation conducted since December 2008.

The operation is conducted on the basis of UN Security Council Resolutions No. 1814, 1816, 1838, 1846 and 1851. It is tasked with the protection of vessels which deliver humanitarian aid to displaced persons in Somalia within the UN World Food Programme, the protection of vessels which sail along the Somali coast, as well as with deterrence, prevention and suppression of piracy off the Somali coast.

On 9 July 2009 the Government of the Republic of Slovenia adopted a decision to deploy up to three members of the Slovenian Armed Forces, with the possibility of rotation, to the EU-led maritime military operation ‘EU NAVFOR Somalia’, conducted in the international waters of the Somali coast, thus contributing to the solution of crisis conditions in this area. The first member of the Slovenian Armed Forces was deployed to the operation at the beginning of September. The first Slovenain Armed Forces member was deployed to the operation at the end of September 2009. He worked in Djibuti. At the moment,  two Slovenian Armed Forces members, an NCO and an officer, perform tasks at the operation command at Northwood, Great Britain.

Although the Republic of Slovenia has limited maritime capabilities, the Slovenian Armed Forces, to a limited extent, actively participate in the operation. The Republic of Slovenia, as a maritime country, is thus joining the EU efforts for protection of sea routes and vessels which deliver humanitarian aid to displaced persons in Somalia within the UN World Food Programme. With its participation in the operation, the Republic of Slovenia is partially responsible for the protection of sea routes. It also provides indirect protection to Slovenian citizens and possessions, since international transport vessels employ also Slovenian soldiers and since Slovenian vessels also sail through this area. The operation also protects EU economic interests, since, in the context of a smooth operation and development of certain industries, it provides safe routes for vessels which transport raw materials, equipment and spare parts.