EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta: new Operation Commander appointed

Today, Vice Admiral José M.Núñez Torrente was appointed Operation Commander of EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta, starting on 21 April 2021. He takes command from Rear Admiral Eugenio Díaz del Río Jáudenes. Vice Admiral Jose M. Nunez Torrente is currently serving as Commander of the Spanish High Readiness Maritime Forces.

EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta contributes to the deterrence, prevention and repression of acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. The operation is part of the EU's comprehensive approach for a peaceful, stable and democratic Somalia and contributes to stability in the Horn of Africa.

The operation also protects World Food Programme vessels and other vulnerable shipping, monitors fishing activities off the coast of Somalia and supports other EU missions and programmes in the region.

The EU's comprehensive approach to Somalia comprises diplomatic efforts, development support, humanitarian aid and engagement in the field of rule of law and law enforcement. It includes three complementary missions under the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy: EU NAVFOR Operation Atalanta; EUCAP Somalia, enhancing Somalia's maritime civilian law enforcement capacity; and EUTM Somalia, providing political and strategic military advice to the Somali authorities and contributing to the development of the Somali National Army's own training capacity.

Today's decision was adopted by the Political and Security Committee.