The European Union is engaged with Somalia at the diplomatic, political, humanitarian and security levels, reflecting its commitment to the stabilisation of Somalia. The EU is the largest donor to Somalia.
Political engagement
The EU supports the Djibouti peace process and is active in the diplomatic efforts deployed by the international community, in particular within the International Contact Group for Somalia.
The EU supported the enlargement of the Transitional Federal Parliament in January 2009, which made the Parliament more inclusive. It welcomed the election of President Sheik Sharif Sheik Ahmed, which brings hope for peace and stability in Somalia. The EU also welcomed the President's efforts to reach out to all Somalis to further broaden participation in the political process.
The EU continues to engage with the Transitional Federal Government, led by the new Prime Minister, Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, and supports its efforts to improve the security situation in Somalia and bring relief to the population.
The EU also supports the tireless efforts of the UN Secretary General's Special Representative for Somalia, Ahmedou Ould-Abdallah, to facilitate progress in the political process. In this context, the EU welcomes the intention of the UN Secretary General to consult all stakeholders on the convening of an international peace conference to address issues related to capacity building, humanitarian assistance and sustainable development.
Support for security
The EU and its Member States are helping the Transitional Federal Government of Somalia to begin rebuilding security and creating an environment in which the gains of peace can be realised.
The EU hosted an international Conference in support of the Somali Security Institutions and the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) in Brussels on 23 April 2009. Its purpose was to solicit contributions to the key elements of the strategy of the UN Security Council in Somalia, as set out in resolution 1863(2009).
The EU also pledged EUR 60 million to AMISOM from the Africa Peace Facility. This should be added to EUR 15.5 million that were provided for 2007-2008 and a further EUR 20 million for December 2008 to May 2009. Furthermore EUR
4.5 million have been provided under the Instrument for Stability to support AMISOM planning capacity.
The EU launched its first ever naval operation, EU NAVFOR-Atalanta, on 8 December 2008 to tackle the problem of piracy off the Somali coast. On 17 November 2009, the Council is expected to extend the operation EUNAVFOR for another year, until December 2010. A separate fact-sheet provides detailed information about this ESDP operation.
In July 2009 the Council decided to step up the EU's engagement for promoting peace and development in Somalia. To this end, the Council has studied possibilities for the EU to contribute to international efforts, including in the security field.
Further EU support to the Somali security sector should be considered within a comprehensive EU approach to the situation in Somalia. This support should be part of a larger and coherent framework involving close EU cooperation with the AU, the UN and other relevant partners, in particular the US. In regard to the AU, the role of AMISOM is especially important.
The Council stresses the importance of Transitional Federal Government (TFG) ownership and a clear TFG commitment to build a viable and sustainable security sector.
On 17 November 2009, the Council is expected to approve a Crisis Management Concept on a possible ESDP mission to contribute to the training of TFG Security Forces and requested further planning work, without prejudging subsequent decisions on a possible ESDP action.
Development cooperation and humanitarian aid
The European Commission and the Member States have committed EUR 215.4 million for development aid through the European Development Fund for the period 2008 to 2013. The main areas of development cooperation are governance, education, the productive sectors and rural development.
Humanitarian aid from the European Community amounted to EUR 45.8 million in 2008, considerably more than the EUR 12 million provided in 2007 because of the deteriorating situation. The number of people in need of humanitarian aid in Somalia has risen from 1.8 million at the beginning of 2008 to 3.25 million at the end of the year. In addition, EU Member States also make separate, bilateral contributions to Somalia.
