Dear Readers,

welcome to the third e-newsletter of the EU funded Programme on Port Security and Safety of Navigation in EA-SA-IO Region (PSP).

Thanks to the activities delivered by the Implementing Partners, namely IMO, INTERPOL and UNODC in each of the programme beneficiary countries, the PSP has been able to bridge the initial gap caused by COVID 19 restrictions, closure of borders, National Focal Points not designated yet.

The genuine commitment and sense of ownership of this programme by PSP countries is witnessed by the tangible results related to more inspections on vessels as Port State and MoU obligations, increased number of staff in maritime administrations and an enhanced dialogue and closer cooperation between law enforcement officials and judges/prosecutors to ensure successful apprehensions of criminals to the justice.

Exchange missions by PSP countries led by IOC with EU institutions and EU member states public administrations conducted last October 2022 have been an eye-opening to understand challenges and opportunities for strengthening cooperation in the maritime security and safety of navigation domain, to benefit of having a dedicated forum as experienced during the Mediterranean Coast Guard Functions Forum (MCGFF) and the possibility of benefiting from the support provided by state of the art technology available at EMSA, during events such as oil spill pollution.

Moreover, as all forms of maritime crimes are transnational and affecting more countries, the need to strengthen the cooperation in the maritime and port security domain is of paramount importance. In this regards the willingness of Angola, Namibia, Tanzania, Mozambique and Yemen to join the regional maritime security architecture of the IOR is a commendable initiative.

The second Steering Committee Meeting is under preparation and this event will represent an excellent opportunity to assess progress and/or difficulties in achieving the set objectives.

Michele Stallone

EU PSP Regional Coordinator

Michele Stallone

EU PSP Regional Coordinator