Maritime security is an important priority for the European Union (EU) and its relevance for external and internal policy is growing dramatically in recent months. The protection of maritime routes and critical maritime infrastructure is vital to ensure the European economic security. Disruptions caused by piracy, armed robbery, and geopolitical tensions—such as recent escalations in the Red Sea and in the Persian Gulf—pose direct threats to European supply chains, increase insurance costs, and destabilise energy security.

For several years, the European Union (EU) has been committed to improving maritime security through the development of strategies and implementation of initiatives (cooperation projects, naval operations, etc.). It aims to become a reliable partner and a key maritime security’s actor, promoting maritime cooperation and partnerships for secure waters.

In this context, the new EnMAR+ project aims to enhance maritime security and governance in the Gulf of Guinea (GoG), the Red Sea, and the Western Indian Ocean (WIO) through a more political, coordinated and visible EU approach. The project will work under the supervision of the European External Action Service’s Senior Coordinator for Maritime Security and FPI. It follows an initial phase (EnMAR – 2022-2026), which focused exclusively on the Gulf of Guinea, while this new phase will also cover the Red Sea and the Western Indian Ocean. Furthermore, EnMAR+ will act as a Facility to provide support based on requests received from stakeholders.

The EnMAR+ project has three (3) specific objectives:

1. To deepen the EU’s maritime diplomacy, political influence and partnerships in the GoG, Red Sea and WIO by fostering political dialogue and enhancing collaboration with regional and national stakeholders, including the protection of critical maritime infrastructure.
2. To streamline the EU’s maritime security efforts across targeted regions and to optimise the use of resources, enhance operational synergy, and prevent duplication.
3. To bolster the EU’s role as a leading maritime security provider through strategic communication efforts that enhance visibility, promote EU values, and highlight the benefits of collaborative security initiatives.

Organisation of the project team:

The Strategic Communication Manager will be based in Brussels, and join a team of 6 members, placed under the supervision of the Head of Project:

• A technical unit composed of two key experts: a Maritime Security Expert for Gulf of Guinea and a Maritime Security Expert for Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean.
• A support unit composed of an Administrative and Financial Officer and a Logistics Officer, supporting the Head of Project in daily implementation of the project.
• Ad hoc expertise will be mobilised based on requests for support.

Relevant EU services will closely monitor the project in order to support the identification and validation of activities proposed under the facility modality. 

The project is implemented by Expertise France, the French public agency for international technical cooperation and a subsidiary of the AFD Group. Expertise France designs and implements projects that strengthen public policies in partner countries. It works across various areas such as governance, health, climate, security, and education, and operates in nearly 150 countries.