Written by: Luca Urciuolo

Supervised by: Victoriano Vicente Botella Berenguer 

Edited by: Dimitra Pateraki

Abstract

Amid rising geostrategic tensions, the maritime domain has emerged as a critical arena where Great Powers navigate their competing interests, emphasising the importance of a coordinated European naval defence policy. This article delves into the European Union’s (EU) dynamic approach to maritime security, beginning with an overview of the EU’s strategic goals for maritime defence and security. It also provides an overview of previous cooperation initiatives in the European naval defence sector, laying the groundwork for more recent advances, particularly the European Patrol Corvette (EPC) initiative.

By providing a coordinated and flexible response to maritime threats, the EPC is anticipated to strengthen Europe’s strategic autonomy and improve interoperability. The article’s conclusion offers an evaluation of the EPC’s implications for EU defence policy and its potential to transform Europe’s naval capabilities, granting the EU an opportunity to redefine its role in maritime security.