The Council of the European Union agreed that Operation Atalanta should be extended for one year from its current end date of
13 December 2009.
The Council noted that Atalanta had demonstrated its ability to act effectively against piracy, that piracy off the coast of Somalia was likely to remain a serious threat beyond the date of 13 december 2009, and that early agreement on extending the operation would facilitate the necessary force generation.
First naval operation
Atalanta was launched on 8 December 2008 in support of UN Security Council resolutions 1814, 1816, 1838 and 1846 adopted in 2008. It is conducted under the European Security and Defence Policy (ESDP). It is the first naval operation launched by the EU.
Thirteen warships and three maritime patrol air surveillance aircraft are currently taking part in the Operation.
