Maritime security in the Indian Ocean: prospects for the European Union?

Since 2008, the European Union (EU) is at the forefront of the struggle against piracy in the Horn of Africa. Despite political constraints and operational challenges, the Union and its member States have taken stock of the current issues in the realm of maritime security and safety. The Indian Ocean is a new stage in the European maritime commitment, and an interesting field to demonstrate the EU's ability to be worthy of its status. Through the development of its "sea power", the whole Union is striving to maintain a long-term strategy instead of short-term decision-making.