CRIMARIO developing its Action Plan
EU CRIMARIO continues to support the implementation of European Union strategies in the region, which promotes effective multilateralism and a rules-based international order with strategic partners and others. In the recent months, the project has intensified its exchanges with a variety of stakeholders, especially coastal States of the wider Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia, commencing with EU Delegations and European programmes and operations committed to securing the maritime domain, including EU NAVFOR, EUCAP Somalia and ESCIWA (Enhancing Security Cooperation in and with Asia).
The Team is now in the process of analysing the various maritime security initiatives and systems in place, to ensure CRIMARIO activities synergise and complement the numerous initiatives developed by national, regional and external partners. More lately, CRIMARIO began to engage with national and regional maritime-oriented agencies and organisations in the region. Much effort is directed towards supporting IORIS platform users with advice and remote training.
Armed with this enriched knowledge and active networking, CRIMARIO is now developing an initial Action Plan that will indicate the prime areas of focus for the coming months, to be delivered to the EU for approval by mid-February 2021, commencing with proposals for remote activities until COVID-19 allows travel to partner countries.
Other activities
Discussion with regional and external partners During the past months, EU Crimario has steamed ahead with intensified exchanges with international organisations including UNODC (GMC Programme), IMO, IOC (Indian Ocean Commission) and potential partner countries including France, India, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States. Discussions are ongoing to identify areas of potential cooperation and synergy. In parallel, the Team is working towards developing its action plan in collaboration with potential partners.
Participation in the Sri Lanka Conference CRIMARIO team leader was invited to introduce EU CRIMARIO at the conference “Promoting Sri Lanka’s Interests in the Maritime Domain: Strengthening Regional Cooperation with the European Union” organised on 4 December 2020 by the Sri Lanka Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute and the EU Delegation in Sri Lanka. He formed part of a panel on Maritime Safety and Security, moderated by Foreign Secretary Admiral Professor Jayanath Colombage. The speakers and organisers highlighted the need for more regional cooperation, based on mutual understanding and trust.
Participation in CGPCS Plenary Session EU CRIMARIO was invited to attend the 23rd Plenary Session of the CGPCS, held on 17-18 December, which was co-chaired by Kenya Government and IOC (Indian Ocean Commission). Presentations were made on piracy trends in the region, progress of the Djibouti Code of Conduct, and efforts of the private sector and NGOs. The Team will closely follow developments of the CGPCS, especially the Strategic Planning Directing Group that is responsible for mapping out future CGPCS priorities.