Europe at Sea

Europe at Sea is a thought-provoking documentary film that was released in 2017. The film casts a spotlight on the role of Europe in global security and the intricate challenges that come with defending its maritime interests and borders. The film landmark is its unique access to Federica Mogherini, the chief of the EU's foreign and security policy, who is at the center of the Union’s diplomatic representation overseas. Mogherini's diligence and dedication to her role provide an insightful perspective on the numerous challenges she faces and her constant efforts to navigate the turbulent political climate.

The focus of Europe At Sea is explicit through its title; it’s about the role Europe aims to play in maintaining and safeguarding the seas, specifically the Mediterranean and its surrounding oceans, against issues such as immigration, piracy, territorial disputes, and threats to energy security. This groundbreaking documentary is a blend of expert commentary, interviews with decision-makers, and firsthand views of different EU naval missions.

Nigel Inkster, a prominent commentator on global strategic issues, lends his extensive knowledge and understanding of international affairs throughout the movie. His insights added depth to the film, and his voice elevated the discourse about international security issues, contributing to the film’s stature as a relevant and significant piece of documentary cinema.

In addition to Mogherini and Inkster, the filmmakers also interview Sophia Besch, a research fellow at the Centre for European Reform. Her expertise in European defense and her thorough understanding of the EU's foreign and security policy fortify the movie’s narrative, filling in critical gaps of understanding for viewers not entirely au fait with the complexities of political relations and maritime security.

Europe at Sea offers the viewer a behind-the-scenes look at the European Union’s military missions operating in the Mediterranean sea. It breaks down the complexities and challenges associated with safeguarding Europe’s maritime borders from various threats. The severe refugee crisis places the film in context, illustrating the pressure that the EU faces; hundreds of thousands of desperate people take dangerous sea routes to flee conflicts in Africa and the Middle East.

The film touches upon the broader debate within Europe about defense collaboration and investment, reflecting on the urgent need for Europe to take greater responsibility for its security in the face of growing international instability. It provides a nuanced understanding of the often delicate and precarious balance that exists between protection of territorial waters, maintaining the safety of civilian vessels, and safeguarding human rights in extra-territorial waters.

Through the film, we see EU's naval operations conducted to deter, prevent, and suppress acts of piracy and armed robbery off the Somali coast. We witness joint military-cooperation between the European Union member states and its efforts to stabilize areas like the Libyan coast. The film also goes deep into topics of inter-EU diplomacy, defense budgets, and national sovereignty, setting a stage for internal and external debates on the future of Europe's defense and global role.

The filmmakers of Europe at Sea adopt a thoughtful and unsensational approach, allowing the facts and opinions of their well-chosen experts to guide the narrative. The professional cinematography, with a tapestry of land and seascapes, establishes a sense of place and a context for the human stories - often tragic and demanding, at the heart of Europe's struggle to secure its borders whilst upholding its values.

The documentary underscores the point that despite being a sophisticated economic power, Europe, as an entity, must mature its collective self-esteem to play an influential role in global affairs. In conclusion, Europe at Sea is an engaging and informative exploration of European Union’s maritime security strategy and is tailored to resonate with anyone interested in global geopolitics, defense strategies, and humanitarian issues.