Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 11/2010

Dealing with Maritime Security in the Mediterranean Basin: The EU as a Multilateral Actor

Stefania Panebianco

August 2010

Istituto Affari Internazionali

Abstract

Global terrorism, irregular migration, proliferation of WMDs and piracy are all issues currently included in the EU's Mediterranean maritime security agenda. Due to the peculiar nature of these threats, the European Security Strategy claims that multilateral action is the most effective way to deal with these security threats. The involvement of regional and non-regional influential actors - both state and nonstate actors - is deemed crucial. Therefore, this analysis illustrates Mediterranean institutionalised security cooperation within many regional fora: EMP/UfM, NATO Mediterranean Dialogue, the Western Mediterranean Dialogue. Finally, some concrete actions are suggested for the EU to play an effective role.