Piracy is a complex problem affecting European Union consumers, businessmen, seafarers, ship-owners and the taxpayer. From both a humanitarian perspective (in 2012, six seamen were murdered and 448 were held hostage) and from an economic one (estimated costs amount to EUR 5.5-9.5 billion per annum) the EESC considers that EU efforts to combat piracy have been insufficient and that vigorous action is urgently needed. 
 
The public presentation of this opinion will take place on 24 January 2013 (2 p.m.-5.30 p.m.) at the EESC premises in Brussels. Selected high-level EU representatives from the European Commission, European Parliament and the Council were invited. Key non governmental stakeholders in the field will participate in the debate, namely Nautilus International, the European Community Shipowners' Associations, the International Maritime Bureau, the European Transport Workers' Federation, and the campaign SaveOurSeafarers.

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