Organised by the European Maritime Force (EUROMARFOR), the event brought together several EU agencies, navies and coast guards to enhance cooperation and readiness in addressing maritime security threats.

Hosted by the Italian Navy, the exercise took place on 1-2 July 2025, off the coast of La Spezia, Italy.

MARSEC EU 25 builds on the success of the first annual exercise, held off the coast of Cartagena, Spain, in May 2024. As the EU continues to face evolving maritime threats, these exercises will play a crucial role in maintaining security and stability.

MARSEC maritime exercise

MARSEC EU 25 is an annual maritime security exercise designed to improve the EU’s ability to respond to maritime threats. It focuses on two key areas.

1. Combating Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing
2. Protecting critical maritime infrastructure, such as underwater pipelines

The exercise is part of the EU’s broader effort to implement its revised Maritime Security Strategy, adopted in October 2023. This strategy emphasises the need for joint naval exercises to boost readiness, foster collaboration, and address evolving threats like hybrid attacks on maritime infrastructure.

European Union

MARSEC participants

MARSEC EU 25 was a collaborative effort involving:

• EUROMARFOR: A multinational naval force comprising the French, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish navies
• EU Agencies: European Fisheries Control Agency (EFCA), European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA), and the European Border and Coast Guard Agency (FRONTEX)
• Swedish Coast Guard
• NATO: Participated for the first time as an observer
• Italian Navy: The lead organiser, supported by its advanced maritime surveillance systems.
• The exercise also received support from the European External Action Service, the European Commission, and the European Defence Agency.

Key Objectives of the Exercise

The main goals of MARSEC EU 25 were:

• To improve coordination among EU Member States and agencies
• To test and refine operational procedures for maritime security
• To identify lessons for future exercises and real-world operations
• To enhance information-sharing using platforms like CISE (Common Information Sharing Environment) and MARSUR

Combating illegal fishing

The first scenario focused on detecting and addressing illegal fishing in EU waters. Here’s how it unfolded.

1. Detection of Illegal Activity

• An Italian Navy asset, during a routine maritime surveillance operation, spotted a fishing vessel engaged in IUU fishing.
• The vessel’s details were immediately reported to the Italian Navy Operations Centre at the Fleet Command Headquarters (CINCNAV).

2. Coordinated Response

Italy’s Fisheries Monitoring Centre shared the alert with relevant stakeholders, including EU Member States’ operational centres and EU agencies like EFCA.

This coordination was made possible through advanced information-sharing platforms such as:

• CISE: A system for sharing maritime information across EU Member States
• MARSUR: A military maritime surveillance network
• SMART-FENIX: Italy’s system for tracking maritime traffic

3. Interception and Inspection

• An Italian Coast Guard patrol vessel intercepted the fishing boat and conducted an inspection.
• The inspection confirmed the illegal activity, enabling law enforcement to take further action.
• This scenario highlighted the importance of collaboration and technology in tackling illegal fishing, which threatens marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of EU fishing communities.

Protecting Critical Maritime Infrastructure

The second scenario simulated a potential attack on critical underwater infrastructure, such as pipelines.

1. Suspicious Activity Detected

• The Italian Navy’s SMART-FENIX system, supported by EMSA’s satellite imagery, identified a vessel behaving suspiciously near an underwater pipeline.
• The Maritime Operations Centre at MARICODRAG (Italy’s Mine Countermeasures Command) tasked the nearest air asset to monitor the situation.

2. Deployment of Specialised Units

• The minehunter ITS Gaeta, equipped for underwater reconnaissance, was deployed to investigate.
• The ship used advanced sonar systems and an unmanned underwater vehicle (Pluto Plus Remotely Operated Vehicle) to inspect the pipeline.

3. Neutralising the Threat

• An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was discovered on the pipeline.
• The Italian Navy’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team safely neutralised the device.
• This scenario showcased the EU’s ability to respond to hybrid threats, such as sabotage of critical infrastructure, using cutting-edge technology and specialised naval capabilities.

Strengthening maritime security

MARSEC EU 25 is a vital step in strengthening the EU’s maritime security.

• Protecting Marine Resources: Illegal fishing depletes fish stocks and harms marine ecosystems. Exercises like MARSEC EU 25 help enforce regulations and protect these resources.
• Securing Infrastructure: Underwater pipelines and other critical infrastructure are essential for energy security and economic stability. The exercise tested the EU’s ability to detect and respond to threats against these assets.
• Fostering Cooperation: By bringing together navies, coast guards, and EU agencies, MARSEC EU 25 promotes collaboration and interoperability among Member States.
• Enhancing Readiness: Realistic scenarios help participants refine their skills and prepare for real-world incidents.
• Advancing Technology: The exercise demonstrated the value of information-sharing platforms like CISE and MARSUR, as well as specialised tools like ROVs and sonar systems.

European Union

EU Maritime Security Strategy

The EU’s revised Maritime Security Strategy, adopted in October 2023, provides the framework for exercises like MARSEC EU 25. The strategy reflects the EU’s commitment to safeguarding its maritime interests and ensuring the safety and security of its waters.

 Key elements of the strategy include

• launching annual naval exercises to improve readiness and interoperability
• addressing hybrid threats, such as cyberattacks and sabotage of critical infrastructure
• strengthening information-sharing among Member States and agencies
• enhancing the EU’s ability to respond to illegal activities, such as IUU fishing

Maritime security milestone

MARSEC EU 25 was a significant milestone in the EU’s efforts to protect its waters and critical infrastructure. By simulating real-world scenarios, the exercise improved coordination, tested advanced technologies, and enhanced readiness to tackle maritime threats.

Thanks to its Maritime Security Strategy, the EU is well-positioned to address challenges like illegal fishing and hybrid attacks. As these exercises continue, they will help ensure that Europe’s seas remain safe, secure, and sustainable for generations to come.