(VOVworld) – The Council of the European Union on Tuesday approved an EU maritime security strategy as a framework for effectively and comprehensively addressing the EU's maritime security challenges.

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said the strategy will help EU better promote its interests (Photo: neurope.eu)

A statement following a meeting of foreign ministers from the EU's 28 member states in Luxemburg said the objective of the strategy is to secure the EU's maritime security interests against risks and threats in the global maritime domain – transnational crime, threats to freedom of navigation, proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and environmental risks. EU Foreign Policy chief Catherine Ashton said this strategy will help to promote maritime security interests and assume global responsibilities. She reiterated her commitment to implementing the strategy and working toward a concrete action plan.