In a strategic shift within the European Union’s maritime security efforts, Spain has officially taken command of Operation Atalanta “EU Naval Mission”, the EU’s long-standing counter-piracy mission off the coast of Somalia.
The handover took place during a formal ceremony on June 12 aboard the Italian frigate ITS Rizzo in Djibouti.
50th Rotation of Command
Rear Admiral Francisco Javier Vázquez Sanz of the Spanish Navy has assumed leadership from Italian Rear Admiral Davide Da Pozzo, marking the 50th rotation of command since the mission’s inception in 2008.
The Spanish warship ESPS Navarra has been designated as the new flagship of the operation, replacing its Italian counterpart.
Goals of European Union Naval Force:
Operation Atalanta, officially known as the European Union Naval Force (EU NAVFOR), was launched to tackle piracy in the Gulf of Aden and Western Indian Ocean.
Initially focused on protecting commercial and humanitarian vessels.
Including those operated by the World Food Programme (WFP), the mission has since broadened its mandate.
Today, Operation Atalanta also targets:
- Illegal arms trafficking
- Drug smuggling
- Unregulated and illegal fishing
- Regional maritime security threats
EU Commitment to the Horn of Africa Stability
In a statement, the European External Action Service (EEAS) emphasized that Admiral Vázquez Sanz’s appointment underlines the EU’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding maritime routes and promoting regional stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
The European Council formally approved the leadership change on June 10, under Decision (CFSP) 2025/1173.
Piracy Declines, but Security Threats Remain
Although piracy incidents off Somalia have dropped significantly since the early 2010s, EU naval officials continue to warn of persistent risks.
Particularly in ungoverned coastal regions and amid wider instability across the Red Sea corridor.
Bab al-Mandab Strait, a narrow chokepoint between the Arabian Peninsula and the Horn of Africa, remains a strategic priority for global trade and security.
It is estimated that nearly 10% of the world’s maritime trade passes through this critical waterway.
Spain’s central role in the mission is further emphasized by its hosting of Operation Atalanta’s operational headquarters at Rota Naval Base, reaffirming its longstanding commitment as one of the mission’s founding contributors.
Djibouti: Key Hub for EU Maritime Operations
With the logistics and support center based in Djibouti, the EU Naval Force maintains a robust regional presence, ensuring rapid response capabilities and secure coordination in a volatile maritime zone.
Operation Atalanta transition to Spanish command comes as the EU renews its focus on regional partnerships and enhanced maritime surveillance.
Ensuring the sustainability of gains made over the past decade in securing international shipping routes.
