Answer given by Mr Avramopoulos on behalf of the Commission
23.10.2015
The purpose of the Seahorse Mediterranean project is to establish a secure satellite supported communication network to exchange information on irregular migration by sea between National Contact Points in the Northern African countries (e.g. Libya, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria) and the national coordination centres for border surveillance in Cyprus, Greece, France, Italy, Malta, Portugal and Spain. Preparations in the Member States are well on track, as these seven national coordination centres, which have been established in the framework of the European Border Surveillance System (Eurosur), are being prepared in 2015-2016 to participate also in the Seahorse Mediterranean network.
1. Despite repeated efforts, for the time being neither Algeria, Tunisia nor Egypt are committed to participating in the Seahorse Mediterranean project. Nevertheless, the Spanish authorities are continuing their efforts in this regard.
2. Both the Commission and the EEAS were repeatedly presenting this project to the Algerian, Tunisian and Egyptian authorities during various meetings, such as the project steering committees, but so far none of them have officially confirmed their intention to participate.
3. Due to the insecure situation in Libya and due to the lack of a stable Libyan national government, all activities for installing the National Contact Point in Libya are on hold. Consequently, the relevant Libyan authorities are still not connected to the MEBOCC ‘Mediterranean Border Cooperation Centre’ which will be hosted by the Italian national coordination centre for border surveillance.