Press and Photo Gallery
Piracy: EU Runs up its Flag on Non-Existent Fleet
Strasbourg, 23rd October 2008 -- In spite of a NATO maritime group and a coalition force actively combating piracy in the seas off the Horn of Africa, the EU has decided they want their flag on a copy-cat naval operation. The EU, which has no ships of their own, will draw vessels from the same over-stretched navies already engaged in the operations. Today the resolution received the full backing of the European Parliament in Strasbourg.
Geoffrey Van Orden MEP, Conservative defence spokesman, who has consistently questioned the motives of the EU military mission, said:
"There are very serious concerns about piracy on the high seas, especially off the Horn of Africa. This requires coherent, sustained international naval action, with an unambiguous chain of command and political control, and robust rules of engagement. Clearly NATO is best able to mount such an operation on behalf of the UN. We also need clarity about dealing with arrested pirates so that international law can be applied robustly.
"The EU has no useful military role to play in this, their involvement will just add confusion and complicate matters. The EU is desperate to find military operations that it can stick its flag on in order to give credibility to its defence pretensions. All EU countries planning to contribute frigates and destroyers to the "EU military mission" are already members of NATO, and contributing ships for anti-piracy operations."
"The Royal Navy has fewer active war-ships than France for the first time since the death of Nelson, commemorated two days ago. What madness to send three ships to three international missions to carry out the same tasks in the same waters."
Timothy Kirkhope MEP, Conservative transport spokesman said:
"We must not pretend that the EU has competences and control it does not possess. Today's Resolution is full of references to 'EU fishing vessels', 'EU fishermen', 'Community fishing, merchant and passenger vessels' - yet the EU has no ships and none fly its flag.
"Piracy is a serious issue but we should rely on NATO and international co-operation instead of unrealistic ambitions."
ENDS
