In view of the 4th EU-Africa Summit, taking place in Brussels on 2 and 3 April 2014 under the theme “Investing in People, Prosperity and Peace”, the ETF (European Transport Workers’ Federation) and the ECSA (European Community Shipowners’ Associations) reiterate their call for continued efforts in combating piracy in East Africa and raise the alarm about the upsurge of piracy attacks and armed robbery in the Gulf of Guinea. With the summit bringing together African and EU leaders, as well as the leaders of EU and African Union institutions, the European Social Partners request the EU to liaise with the regional states to ensure safe navigation also in this other sub-region of the African continent.
“The EU and the Member States have to continue the good work in East Africa and come up with immediate action in West Africa”, the social partners state in their declaration. “The EU should use the dialogue with African States to decide on joint concrete action to provide safe and secure trade links in West Africa.” The Seafarers’ and Shipowners’ representatives encourage the EU and other international actors to continue to resource naval forces in the area and to continue the efforts on land to address the root causes. The statement concludes with calling upon all parties to take up their responsibilities and to adapt the toolbox of counter-piracy measures, that has worked well in East Africa, for application in the Gulf of Guinea.
You can download the joint ETF-ECSA statement below.
