European navies are perennially overstretched in terms of their ability to support required tasks, with some tasked to operate primarily beyond European waters often at the expense of presence at home. Yet, while events in the Mediterranean region such as the Syrian crisis are drawing attention to Europe's southern maritime flank, there is also growing focus on maritime security in the continent's northern waters. Maritime threats pose challenges not only for navies but also for wider economic welfare, environmental protection, and the integrity of society. Resource security is critical, and preventing attacks on sea-based energy infrastructure and on flows of energy and other trade resources by sea is a focus for navies and governments alike.
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