The pilot demonstrates the benefits of joint multipurpose operations and exchange of information between the three agencies – one of the main aims of the legislation entering into force today. The project will conclude in mid-2017.

Measures under this pilot project in the Mediterranean Sea in particular have led to a significant increase in the number of detected illegal activities in areas such as fisheries, oil pollution, drug smuggling and border control. For fisheries, this co-operation has made it easier to monitor sensitive fishing activities and is providing valuable information on potential instances of illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

In the meantime, the agencies are fleshing out the arrangements for their future cooperation, to be agreed by their respective Boards before the end of the year.

More information:

• EU Maritime Security Strategy
• Press release