Implementing the EU Maritime Security Strategy – Political, Industrial, and Investment Challenges in the Face of Evolving Maritime Threats

The maritime domain is constantly evolving, and as such, it needs a comprehensive understanding of the complexities and risks associated with it. To address the increasing need for securing both civilian and military maritime activities, European Institutions are putting this pivotal topic high on their political agendas.

In March 2023, the European Commission and the High Representative adopted a Joint Communication on an enhanced EU Maritime Security Strategy and an Action Plan to ensure a peaceful use of the seas and safeguard the maritime domain against new threats. As stated in the updated EU Strategy, the EU economy depends greatly on safe and secure oceans: over 80% of global trade is seaborne, about two-thirds of the world’s oil and gas supply is either extracted at sea or transported by sea, and up to 99% of global data flows are transmitted through undersea cables.

The purpose of this event is therefore to create a platform for discussion where key Institutional and industrial stakeholders can assess the political, industrial, and investment challenges that arise from the evolving maritime threats faced by the European Union at sea, underwater and to its critical infrastructures.

The event will be structured as a panel discussion among representatives of the European Commission, the European Parliament, the European External Action Service, the European Defence Agency and Industry.

During the event the think tank Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI) will present the outlines of the study titled “The Underwater Environment and Europe’s Defence and Security”, which provides insights into the underwater landscape and its impact on the EU’s defence and security.

Introductory remarks : Beatrice Covassi, Member of the European Parliament and Co-Chair of the Sustainable, Long-term Investments & Competitive European Industry Intergroup

Panel discussion (moderated by Aurelie Pugnet, Reporter, Euractiv):

• Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director, Fincantieri SpA
• Stefano Sannino, Secretary General, European External Action Service
• André Erich Denk, Deputy Chief Executive, European Defence Agency
• François Arbault, Director for Defence Industry at Directorate-General for Defence Industry and Space, European Commission
• Delilah Al Khudhairy, Director for Maritime Policy and Blue Economy at Directorate General for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, European Commission
• Rasa Juknevičienė, Member of the European Parliament, Vice -Chair of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence
• Fabio Massimo Castaldo, Member of the European Parliament, Member of the Subcommittee on Security and Defence
• Alessandro Marrone, Head of Defence Programme, Istituto Affari Internazionali (IAI)

Contact:

Garance Galliaerde, secretariat@investmentindustryintergroup.eu