ROME -  The conference about Maritime security and the role of the Euro-Gulf Information Centre (EGIC) was held in Rome at the Egic  headquarters in Rome on wednesday evening. The event was initiated by the president of EGIC  The Euro-Gulf region is a pivotal intersection for global maritime trade and energy supplies, with strategic points. Maritime security in this region is vital, as threats such as piracy, terrorism, geopolitical tensions, and disputes over territorial waters pose risks to international shipping and energy markets. Within this context, the Euro-Gulf Information Centre (EGIC) emerges as a key institution fostering cooperation between Europe and Gulf countries to ensure maritime stability and security.

The Euro-Gulf Information Centre (EGIC), based in Rome, serves as a platform for policy exchange and strategic analysis between Europe and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Maritime security is one of its core areas of focus due to the centrality of naval routes to both regions' economic and political interests. The Centre aims to facilitate deeper collaboration and understanding between the two regions by providing critical insights, engaging in high-level dialogues, and promoting practical initiatives to safeguard maritime zones.

The Gulf region holds over 30% of the world’s crude oil reserves, and much of the global energy supply passes through its waters.

he Gulf region is frequently marked by rivalries, most notably between Iran and GCC nations. Incidents like the sabotage of oil tankers in 2019, attributed to Iran by many international observers, demonstrate the fragility of maritime security in the region. EGIC has often highlighted the need for Europe to engage diplomatically and contribute to de-escalation efforts.

Piracy and Organized Crime. Piracy, especially around the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea, continues to be a persistent threat to commercial shipping. While piracy off the coast of Somalia has declined due to international efforts, other forms of organized maritime crime. such as drug. EGIC advocates for the continued vigilance and joint naval exercises to combat these threats.

Non-state actors, including terrorist organizations, have increasingly sought to disrupt maritime trade. The Houthis in Yemen, for instance, have launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities and vessels in the Red Sea, creating a volatile maritime environment. The EGIC’s strategic recommendations often underscore the need for Gulf states and European partners to improve intelligence-sharing and surveillance systems to counteract these threats.