Executive Summary

This study focuses on the centres of gravity and goals of a future maritime security policy of Germany and the European Union (EU) for the 21st century. Prepared under the working title MAREU (Maritime Security of the European Union) the project concentrates on the EU’s maritime security environment. The strategic dimension of security related developments at the European periphery, Germany’s and the EU’s maritime and energy security represent the central political and societal research objectives of the MAREU project. This study addresses economic developments, legal and illegal migration as well as existing maritime security measures of international organisations. The Mediterranean, Baltic Sea, Gulf of Guinea and South China Sea are the study’s geographical focus. The project discusses the necessary framework for a German and European maritime security strategy by anticipating potential future security threats and an analysis of existing national and international strategies and measures. In its conclusion the study outlines the required future capabilities of the Bundeswehr and offers guidelines, recommendations and reform proposals in order to enhance the future coordination of German and European maritime security cooperation. About ISPS