EU Regional Maritime Security Week: A Collaborative Approach to Maritime Safety
A Milestone Event in Nairobi
From December 2 to 5, 2025, Nairobi served as a pivotal hub for maritime security in East Africa, the Red Sea, Southern Africa, and the Indian Ocean. The EU Regional Maritime Security Week brought together representatives from 16 countries and 12 regional and international organizations, uniting 112 delegates in a shared commitment to enhancing maritime safety across these vital waterways.
The Flagship Programmes
The event showcased the Steering Committees of three key EU-funded initiatives aimed at improving maritime security: the Red Sea Programme, the Safe Seas Programme, and the Port Security and Safety of Navigation programme. Each of these programmes targets specific challenges within the maritime domain, addressing issues like piracy, illicit trafficking, and maritime terrorism.
A Collaborative Effort
Organized by multiple stakeholders including the EU, the Republic of Kenya, and the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), this week-long event reflected a comprehensive approach towards maritime safety. Support from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and INTERPOL further amplified the efficacy of the discussions and initiatives.
The event provided an opportunity for the participating countries to align their efforts, sharing insights into ongoing projects and future priorities. Participants learned about the significant achievements facilitated by the EU programmes, which include the successful organization of over a dozen maritime operations. These efforts resulted in the seizure of 2.4 tonnes of illegal drugs, 9.9 million illicit cigarettes, 17 stolen vehicles, and the apprehension of 36 human traffickers.
Addressing Regional Challenges
Opening the week, Brigadier Mohamed Shemote, Commander of the Kenya Navy Fleet, highlighted that the region faces an evolving landscape of maritime threats. He emphasized the need for collective action: “These threats do not respect national borders; neither can our responses be confined with them.” The forum represented a unique opportunity to strengthen partnerships, aligning security objectives across participating nations.
Global Context and Commitment
Mr. Ondrej Simek, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Kenya, reinforced the need for inter-regional collaboration. He stated that this is the first attempt to unify the Safe Seas for Africa Programme, the Red Sea Programme, and the Port Security and Safety of Navigation Programme. This strategic alignment aims to create cooperative solutions to maritime challenges that transcend borders, embracing a shared responsibility for maritime security.
Foundations of Maritime Success
While joint operations at sea are critical, the success of these initiatives is built on far more than immediate tactical responses. Effective maritime security relies on a robust foundation of information sharing, training, and infrastructure development. Emphasis has been placed on creating robust frameworks for inter-agency cooperation, drafting joint procedures manuals, and strengthening legal structures to support maritime operations.
Regular training sessions for officials involved in maritime security are essential to ensuring that these initiatives yield lasting results. Moreover, the establishment of national maritime security committees and centers plays a vital role in the long-term sustainability of these programmes.
A Vision for the Future
During the week, participants engaged in dialogue about best practices and lessons learned, fostering an environment conducive to regional and inter-regional collaboration. The EU Regional Maritime Security Week aimed to forge a cohesive vision for maritime security within Africa’s coastal regions, ensuring that efforts align seamlessly across all participating entities.
This initiative represents more than just a response to immediate threats; it is about creating a shared future for maritime safety. As discussions wrapped up, the commitment from all stakeholders was clear: a harmonized approach to maritime security will lead to safer and more resilient seas. The momentum generated during this inaugural event sets a promising precedent for future collaborations in maritime safety across the region.
