A PERSPECTIVE ON THE PROCESS OF DEVELOPING AND IMPLEMENTING THE NATIONAL MARITIME SECURITY STRATEGY-Autor: PhD.. Sorin LEARSCHI[1]
Article published in MSF Study: Romania’s maritime resilience in the era of hybrid threats and the importance of a Maritime Security Strategy
National security policy and strategy is the foundation for protecting a nation’s interests and ensuring stability. In a world characterised by complex and evolving threats, developing an integrated and coherent approach to national security becomes crucial.
A functioning Romania means a safe country that provides its citizens with all the conditions necessary to live a better life in complete security and that protects its identity, values, heritage and resources, as well as the parameters of the rule of law.
National security policy, together with foreign policy, is one of the public policies[2] whose elaboration and implementation is the constitutional and legal prerogative of the President of Romania.
- Importance of National Security Policy and Strategy: protecting the nation’s interests and stability
National security policy refers to the set of principles, objectives and guidelines adopted by the government to ensure the security and well-being of the nation. It involves identifying and managing internal and external risks and threats and promoting national interests and values.
The National Security Strategy is a document that translates security policy into concrete actions and implementation plans. It sets out the priorities, objectives and modalities of action to protect and promote[3] national security in a coherent and integrated manner.
National security policy and strategy play a key role in protecting a nation’s interests and sovereignty. They aim to identify and assess threats to a country’s territorial, economic, political and social integrity. By taking appropriate measures, it aims to maintain sovereignty and protect the nation’s key interests.
A well-developed national security policy and strategy enables the effective identification, assessment and management of the risks and threats facing a nation. These may include military threats, terrorism, cross-border crime, natural disasters, cyber espionage or cyber attacks. Through preventive, reactive and proactive approaches, national security becomes more robust and responsive to today’s challenges.
A coherent and effective approach to national security contributes to creating a stable and secure environment for economic development, social progress and general well-being. By protecting critical infrastructure, financial systems, natural resources and the environment, national security facilitates sustainable growth and protects a nation’s economic interests.
National security policy and strategy is not limited to the national level, but also involves international cooperation. In an interconnected world, cross-border threats such as terrorism, climate change, nuclear weapons proliferation and pandemics require a joint and collaborative approach. By building partnerships and promoting regional and international cooperation, a nation can strengthen its security capabilities and respond more effectively to common challenges.
National security policy and strategy cannot be implemented without the involvement and responsibility of citizens. Every individual has a role to play in protecting national security by complying with laws and regulations, reporting suspicious activities and promoting national values and interests. Education and public awareness also play an important role in creating a culture of national security and supporting government efforts.
National security policy cannot be the expression of the will of a single person, although it is the result of a process that materializes through the powers of the President of Romania. It must be, at least in principle, built on fundamental values and benchmarks, the expression of consensus and common national effort.
But, as Voltaire asked before any academic debate[4] , the definition of terms is essential.
Initially we will have to start the analysis by clarifying the main algorithms for the practical use of these concepts: maritime strategy, maritime security strategy, maritime policy, etc.
The question arises: which is hierarchically superior – policy or strategy? And we start a brief analysis of the general concepts!
In Table 1, using a set of comparators, the main differences and especially the subordinate and derivative role of Strategy to Policy can be seen:
| Comparison criterion | Policy | Strategies |
| Hierarchy | Policy is the guiding principle, established in advance, that helps make logical decisions. | Strategy is a comprehensive, policy-derived plan for achieving organisational objectives. |
| What is | Principle of action | Action Plan |
| Flexibility | Fixed, but allows for exceptional situations | Flexible |
| Purpose | Decision | Action |
| Level | Senior management | Upper level management and middle level management |
Table 1 – Comparative analysis between policy and strategy
National security policy and strategy are two interlinked and complementary concepts that play distinct roles in ensuring national security. We will analyse and compare the roles of these two essential elements and highlight their importance in protecting a nation’s interests and prosperity.
National Security Policy sets the overall direction and strategic orientation for national security. It is the expression of a nation’s political will and encompasses fundamental values, objectives and priorities. National policy provides a general and stable framework within which national strategy is developed and implemented.
The National Security Strategy focuses on turning policy into concrete actions and implementation plans. It identifies specific threats and risks, sets objectives and proposes measures and resources to achieve them. The national strategy provides detail and clarity in the approach to national security.
National security policy is generally more stable and less subject to change, reflecting a nation’s long-term values and directions. It can serve as a basic guide in managing national security and may be less susceptible to rapid changes in the security environment.
The National Security Strategy is more flexible and adaptable. It can be regularly reviewed and updated to respond to new threats, challenges and changes in the security environment. The National Strategy can adjust priorities and actions in the short and medium term, ensuring a more dynamic and responsive approach.
The National Security Policy serves as the basis and guidance for the implementation of national security measures. It provides overall direction and stability for the various institutions and departments involved in national security. National security policy has a broader role and is responsible for setting overall values, objectives and priorities. It sets the general framework within which specific strategies can be developed and implemented.
The National Security Strategy focuses on turning policy into concrete actions and implementation plans. It develops specific strategies and policies in various areas such as defence, cyber security, counter-terrorism or economic security. The national strategy provides specific details and mechanisms for achieving national policy objectives.
National Security Policy is a long-term framework and is subject to regular review and updating. It may be adjusted in response to major changes in the security environment or new national priorities. Evaluation and adjustment of national policy is essential to remain relevant and effective in the face of changing challenges.
The National Security Strategy is more flexible and adapts to short and medium term changes in the security environment. It allows regular evaluation of results and adjustment of action plans accordingly. The National Strategy can be revised to address new threats and challenges, thus ensuring coherence and effectiveness in national security management.
Strategy is a chosen plan for achieving organisational objectives. It is a combination of well thought-out intentions and actions that lead to the desired position or destination. It is a unified and integrated plan made to achieve basic objectives such as:
- effectiveness;
- dealing with events and problems;
- seizing opportunities;
- full use of resources;
- face threats.
A strategy is a combination of flexibly designed moves[5] , adopted by the state. The characteristics of a strategy are as follows:
- must be formulated by senior management. However, sub-strategies can be carried out by middle management;
- must have a long-term perspective;
- must be dynamic in nature;
- the main aim is to overcome uncertain situations;
- must be done in such a way to make the best use of resources.
Policy is considered to be a set of principles and rules[6] that guide the organisation’s decisions.
Policies are framed by the organisation’s senior management to guide operational decision-making. It is useful in outlining the rules, values and beliefs of the organisation. In addition, it acts as a basis for guiding actions.
Policies are designed[7], taking the advice and general view of a number of people in the organisation on any given situation. They are made from experience and basic understanding. In this way, people who come within the scope of such a policy will be in complete agreement on its implementation.
Policies help management determine what to do in a given situation. They must be applied consistently over a long period of time to avoid discrepancies and overlaps.
National policy and national security strategy are two essential elements in ensuring national security. National policy sets the overall direction and priorities, providing a stable and coherent framework. National strategy, on the other hand, translates policy into concrete action, developing implementation plans and specific policies. Policy is more stable and long-term in nature, while strategy is more adaptable and flexible. Evaluation and adjustment are needed both at policy level to reflect major changes and at strategy level to adapt to short and medium-term developments. By coordinating and integrating these two elements, a nation can ensure its long-term protection and prosperity.
- Comparing maritime policy with maritime strategy – coordinating efforts for maritime development and security
Maritime policy and maritime strategy are two key concepts in managing maritime development and security. In a world that is interconnected and dependent on marine resources and the marine environment, they play a crucial role in coordinating efforts and ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach to maritime challenges and opportunities. In the following, we explore and compare maritime policy and maritime strategy, highlighting their differences and importance in maritime development and security.
Maritime policy is a nation’s overall guidelines and objectives for the maritime environment and resources. It sets the strategic direction and provides an overall framework for maritime development and security. Maritime policy is largely oriented towards long-term national values and interests and provides guidance and coordination for the various agencies and sectors involved in the maritime domain.
Maritime policy sets out a nation’s overall priorities and objectives for maritime development and security. These may include sustainable economic development, protection of the marine environment, safety of navigation, promotion of regional and international cooperation, and effective management of marine resources.
Maritime policy involves the coordination and integration of different agencies and sectors such as shipping, fisheries, tourism, scientific research and maritime security. It ensures a coherent and synergistic approach to maritime development and security, avoiding fragmentation and conflicts of interest.
The Maritime Strategy focuses on turning maritime policy into concrete actions and implementation plans. It provides specific and operational direction for maritime development and security. The Maritime Strategy focuses on practical and technical issues, providing a detailed framework for action to achieve maritime policy objectives.
The Maritime Strategy develops specific plans and policies in various areas of maritime development and security. This includes planning for the development of ports and maritime infrastructure, measures to protect the marine environment, marine resource management strategies, programmes to combat piracy and smuggling, and regional and international maritime cooperation.
Maritime strategy involves constant evaluation of progress and results achieved in implementing maritime plans and policy. This allows emerging challenges and threats to be identified and plans and policy to be adjusted to respond effectively to changes in the maritime environment. Regular evaluation and adjustment is essential to maintain the relevance and effectiveness of the Maritime Strategy.
Maritime policy and maritime strategy are closely linked and interdependent. Maritime policy sets the overall direction and objectives, while maritime strategy translates these objectives into concrete actions and implementation plans. Maritime policy provides the overall framework and strategic direction for maritime strategy, while maritime strategy provides the specific details and mechanisms for achieving maritime policy objectives.
Coherence and consistency between maritime policy and maritime strategy are crucial to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach to maritime development and security. Maritime policy provides the direction and priorities, while maritime strategy deals with their practical and operational implementation. Coordination and integration between different agencies and sectors is essential to ensure coherence and efficiency in the management of maritime resources and security.
Maritime policy and maritime strategy are complementary and essential elements in managing maritime development and security. Maritime policy sets the overall objectives and priorities, providing the strategic framework and guidelines, while maritime strategy translates these objectives into concrete actions and implementation plans. Coherence and coordination between these two concepts is crucial to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach to maritime development and security. Through integration and collaboration between different agencies and sectors, a nation can achieve sustainable development and security in the maritime domain, harnessing resources and protecting the marine environment.
Maritime policy provides long-term strategic direction and sets the nation’s priorities for maritime development and security. It takes into account issues such as exploitation of marine resources, protection of the marine environment, development of port infrastructure, promotion of maritime trade and international cooperation. Maritime policy is a strategic planning and guidance tool that ensures a coherent and sustainable approach to the management of maritime activities.
On the other hand, maritime strategy focuses on the practical and operational aspects of maritime policy implementation. It translates policy objectives and priorities into concrete actions and implementation plans. Maritime strategy involves the development of specific strategies and tactics in areas such as shipping, maritime security, fisheries, maritime tourism and scientific research. It involves identifying the necessary resources and capabilities, aligning with available resources and implementing plans effectively.
The interaction between maritime policy and maritime strategy is key to ensuring success in the maritime domain. Maritime policy provides the direction and objectives, and maritime strategy deals with their implementation. Maritime policy sets the overall context and long-term objectives, while maritime strategy ensures that these objectives are achieved through effective planning and implementation.
Coherence and synchronisation between maritime policy and maritime strategy are crucial to achieve effective and sustainable results. An integrated and coordinated approach between different government agencies, the private sector and other stakeholders is essential to achieve the objectives set out in the maritime policy and to adapt to changes in the maritime environment.
In conclusion, maritime policy and maritime strategy are interdependent and complementary concepts in the management of maritime development and security. Maritime policy provides the overall direction and objectives, while maritime strategy focuses on their implementation through concrete actions and implementation plans. The coordination and integration of these two concepts is crucial to ensure a coherent, effective and sustainable approach to maritime development and security.
Naval policy and naval strategy are two key concepts in managing maritime development and security. In a world that is interconnected and dependent on marine resources and the marine environment, they play a crucial role in coordinating efforts and ensuring a comprehensive and effective approach to maritime challenges and opportunities. In the following we explore and compare Naval Policy and Naval Strategy, highlighting their differences and importance in maritime development and security.
Naval policy is a nation’s overall guidelines and objectives for naval forces and maritime activities. It sets the strategic direction and provides an overall framework for naval development and security. Naval policy focuses on the use of naval forces to protect national interests, ensure maritime security and promote regional stability.
Naval policy sets a nation’s overall priorities and goals for its naval forces. These may include protecting coasts and maritime borders, ensuring freedom of navigation, participating in humanitarian and peacekeeping operations, promoting regional and international naval cooperation, and developing maritime capabilities and technologies.
Naval policy involves planning and budgeting the resources needed to develop and operate naval forces. This includes the allocation of funds for the construction and modernisation of ships, the training and education of naval personnel and for maritime operations and missions.
The naval strategy focuses on the use and implementation of naval policy in concrete actions and implementation plans. It provides specific and operational direction for naval development and security. Naval strategy focuses on the practical and tactical aspects of using naval forces to achieve naval policy objectives.
Naval strategy involves the operational planning of naval forces to achieve naval policy objectives. This includes establishing strategies and tactics for the effective use of naval resources in various scenarios and situations. Operational planning addresses issues such as the deployment of ships and crews to different theatres of operations, coordination with other branches of the armed forces and collaboration with international partners.
The naval strategy also focuses on the development and modernisation of naval capabilities and technologies needed to meet naval policy objectives. This includes the identification and acquisition of ships, submarines, aircraft equipped for naval operations and other specific equipment, as well as the adoption of advanced technologies in communications, sensors and defence systems.
Naval policy and naval strategy are closely linked and influence each other in their approach to maritime development and security. Naval policy provides the overall direction and objectives, and naval strategy translates these objectives into concrete actions and implementation plans.
Consistency and coherence between naval policy and maritime strategy are essential to ensure a comprehensive and effective approach to maritime development and security. Naval policy sets the overall priorities and objectives, providing the strategic framework and guidelines. Naval strategy deals with the practical and operational implementation of these objectives through the development of specific plans and tactics.
Effective coordination between the different levels of decision making and agencies involved in naval policy and strategy is crucial. Integration of efforts and collaboration between the different components of naval forces, government agencies and international partners ensures a coherent and synergistic approach to achieving the objectives set.
Naval policy and naval strategy are complementary and essential elements in managing maritime development and security. Naval policy sets the overall direction and objectives, providing the strategic framework and guidelines. The naval strategy deals with the implementation of these objectives through operational planning and efficient use of naval resources. Coherence and coordination between these two concepts is crucial to ensure a comprehensive, effective and sustainable approach to naval development and security. Through integration and collaboration between different agencies and sectors, a nation can achieve maritime development and security in a synergistic and sustainable way.
Naval policy and naval strategy complement each other and are interdependent in achieving a nation’s maritime objectives. Naval policy sets the overall direction and long-term objectives for the use of maritime resources and the protection of national interests. This may include issues such as the defence of coasts and maritime borders, security of navigation, exploitation of marine resources, promotion of maritime trade and protection of the marine environment.
Naval strategy, on the other hand, focuses on the practical implementation of naval policy through the planning and coordination of naval actions. This involves developing specific strategies and tactics to achieve the objectives set out in naval policy. Naval strategy can include issues such as deployment of ships and crews, training of naval personnel, cooperation with other international actors and the use of advanced maritime technology.
The main difference between naval policy and naval strategy lies in their level of detail and focus. Naval policy provides a broader and more strategic perspective, while naval strategy focuses more on operational and tactical aspects. Naval policy sets the overall direction and long-term objectives, while naval strategy translates these objectives into concrete actions and implementation plans.
However, naval policy and naval strategy are interdependent and influence each other. Naval policy provides the framework and direction for maritime development and security, while naval strategy ensures the effective implementation of naval policy through planning and coordination. They work together to achieve a nation’s maritime development and security.
In conclusion, naval policy and naval strategy are two interdependent and complementary concepts in the management of maritime development and security. Naval policy provides the overall direction and objectives, while naval strategy focuses on their implementation through operational planning and concrete actions. Through effective coordination and integration between these two concepts, a nation can achieve maritime development and security in a coherent and effective manner.
To ensure a comprehensive and effective approach to shipping, coordination between naval policy and naval strategy is essential. This involves close communication and cooperation between policy makers, strategic planners, military commanders and other stakeholders.
Naval policy and naval strategy must be aligned in terms of overall objectives and directions. While naval policy sets out a nation’s overall naval priorities and objectives, naval strategy translates these objectives into concrete actions. Coordination between the two ensures that naval strategy is in line with naval policy and that both focus on achieving the same goals.
Naval policy and naval strategy must be integrated into the planning and implementation process. This means that the operational planning of the naval strategy must be consistent with the objectives set out in the naval policy. Strategic plans and actions must support national priorities and interests in the naval domain.
Naval policy and naval strategy involve the allocation of resources for the development and operation of naval forces. Effective coordination of financial, technological and human resources is essential for the successful implementation of naval policy and strategy. This involves careful planning and equitable distribution of resources according to strategic priorities and needs.
Naval policy and naval strategy can benefit from international collaboration and cooperation. In a globalised world, maritime threats and challenges cross national borders and require a multilateral approach. By establishing international partnerships and agreements, a nation can strengthen its naval security and development and effectively address common challenges.
Naval policy sets the overall direction and objectives of a nation in the use of maritime resources and the protection of national interests. This includes issues such as the defence of coasts and maritime borders, security of navigation, exploitation of marine resources, promotion of maritime trade and protection of the marine environment. Naval policy is formulated by policy makers and reflects the national vision and interests in the naval domain.
On the other hand, naval strategy focuses on the practical implementation of naval policy through planning and concrete actions. Naval strategy is developed by strategic planners and military commanders with the aim of ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of naval actions.
Cooperation and interaction between naval policy and naval strategy are essential to achieve naval objectives. Naval policy provides overall direction and objectives, providing the strategic framework and clear guidelines. Naval strategy translates these objectives into concrete actions, developing specific plans and tactics for implementation. In this way, naval strategy ensures coherence and consistency of naval actions in line with naval policy.
Coordination and collaboration between the different levels of decision-makers and agencies involved in naval policy and strategy is also essential. Integration of efforts and collaboration between the different components of naval forces, government agencies and international partners ensures a coherent and synergistic approach to managing maritime development and security.
In order to achieve effective coordination between naval policy and naval strategy, there are a few key factors to consider:
- Alignment of objectives – naval policy and naval strategy need to be aligned in terms of overall objectives and directions. Naval policy sets the overall priorities and objectives in the naval domain, and naval strategy translates these objectives into specific actions and implementation plans. By ensuring a clear alignment between these two concepts, fragmentation can be avoided and a coherent and effective approach can be achieved;
- Integration of planning – naval policy and naval strategy must be integrated into the planning process. Strategic planning must be guided by the objectives set out in the naval policy and take account of available resources. By integrating these two aspects, coherent and efficient planning can be achieved, ensuring the optimal use of resources and the achievement of set objectives;
- Collaboration and communication – effective coordination requires close collaboration between different stakeholders. Policy makers, strategic planners, military commanders and other agencies involved in the naval domain need to collaborate and communicate constantly to ensure common understanding and share relevant information. This will facilitate coherent and synergistic implementation of naval policy and strategy;
- Continuous evaluation and adjustment – naval policy and naval strategy must be subject to continuous evaluation and adjustment. As maritime conditions and threats change, it is important to adapt and update these two concepts to meet new challenges. Through constant monitoring and evaluation of performance, the efficiency and effectiveness of naval actions can be ensured.
Finally, naval policy and naval strategy are two interdependent and complementary concepts that play a vital role in national development and security at sea. Effective coordination between these two concepts is essential to ensure a coherent and synergistic approach in the naval domain. By aligning objectives, integrating planning, collaboration and communication, and continuous evaluation, a nation can strengthen its maritime capabilities and protect its national interests in an effective and sustainable manner.
To better understand how naval policy and naval strategy can be implemented and coordinated in practice, we will do two case studies for two different nations: Nation A and Nation B.
Nation A has a naval policy focused on protecting maritime interests and promoting security in its area of influence. Its objectives include monitoring maritime traffic, combating piracy and smuggling, protecting marine resources and promoting regional naval cooperation. To achieve these objectives, Nation A has developed a naval strategy that focuses on strengthening its fleet, adequately training and equipping naval personnel, and cooperating with other regional actors to ensure maritime security. Naval policy and naval strategy are coordinated through an integrated planning process, where naval policy priorities are reflected in strategic plans and actions.
On the other hand, Nation B has a naval policy focused on projecting naval power and protecting its interests around the world. Its objectives include deploying ships and crews to strategic areas, supporting peacekeeping operations and humanitarian intervention, and promoting its maritime trade and geopolitical influence. To achieve these goals, Nation B has developed a naval strategy that focuses on the flexibility and mobility of its naval forces, international cooperation and naval technological development. Coordination between naval policy and naval strategy is achieved through an inter-ministerial committee that ensures an integrated and synergistic approach to managing maritime development and security.
Comparing the two cases, we can see that naval policy and naval strategy are influenced by the specific national interests and priorities of each country. Naval policy reflects the overall vision and direction, while naval strategy translates this vision into concrete actions. Coordination between the two concepts is essential to ensure a coherent and effective approach to naval affairs.
We also see how the coordination of naval policy and strategy involves integrated planning, collaboration and communication between the different levels of decision-making and agencies involved. This ensures optimal use of resources and effective implementation of policy objectives. Coordination and collaboration between the different components of the naval forces, government agencies and international partners is also essential to ensure a coherent and synergistic approach to managing maritime development and security.
In addition, it is important to note that naval policy and naval strategy are not static entities, but need to be adapted and adjusted to changes in the maritime environment and geopolitical developments. Maritime threats can change and naval technology can advance rapidly, requiring constant evaluation and updating of naval policy and strategy. Therefore, continuous monitoring and evaluation is crucial to ensure an effective and up-to-date approach to managing maritime development and security.
Both nations have valid maritime security policies, and there are no good and bad solutions, they just need to be tailored to national specificities and national interests, the difference coming from strategies, which will have to match political ambitions.
In conclusion, naval policy and naval strategy are two interrelated and complementary concepts in the naval domain. Naval policy sets the overall direction and objectives, while naval strategy focuses on the practical implementation of these objectives. Coordination and collaboration between the two concepts is essential to ensure a coherent and synergistic approach to managing maritime development and security. Through integrated planning, collaboration and continuous assessment, a nation can strengthen its maritime capabilities and protect its national interests in an effective and sustainable way at sea.
Maritime security plays a vital role in protecting a country’s national interests in the maritime environment. In this context, two fundamental concepts are maritime security policy and maritime security strategy. Despite their similarities and interconnections, these two concepts are distinct and make different contributions to maritime security management. In the following, we will examine and compare the two concepts, highlighting their key features and the relationships between them.
Maritime security policy is a set of objectives, principles and guidelines governing a country’s overall approach to ensuring its security in the maritime environment. This can include policies and regulations on national defence, protecting maritime resources, managing maritime traffic, combating terrorist and criminal threats, promoting regional cooperation and more. Maritime security policy is developed by the government and reflects national interests and values as well as the specific challenges and threats a country faces in the maritime environment.
On the other hand, the maritime security strategy is a detailed document that sets out specific objectives, priorities and concrete actions to achieve security in the maritime environment. It is a strategic planning of how a country intends to protect and promote its maritime interests. The maritime security strategy takes into account available resources, the capability of naval forces, international partnerships and analyses current and anticipated threats and challenges. The Maritime Security Strategy provides a coherent and comprehensive course of action, which can be adapted in line with developments in maritime security.
An important aspect in comparing maritime security policy and maritime security strategy is the level of detail and focus. Maritime Security Policy is more general and provides an overall framework for addressing maritime security, while Maritime Security Strategy is more specific and detailed, indicating concrete actions and clear priorities. The Maritime Security Policy sets the overall direction and basic objectives, while the Maritime Security Strategy provides a detailed action plan for implementing these objectives.
Maritime security policy and maritime security strategy are also interlinked and influence each other. Maritime Security Policy provides the overall guidance for the development of the Maritime Security Strategy, and the Maritime Security Strategy is designed to implement the objectives and principles of the Maritime Security Policy.
In terms of process, maritime security policy is developed by political authorities and government decision-makers, taking into account national interests, in consultation with various stakeholders, including naval forces, maritime organisations, the shipping industry and other relevant entities. On the other hand, maritime security strategy involves more detailed analysis and strategic planning, carried out by maritime security experts and analysts, with consultation and input from relevant authorities and organisations.
Maritime security policy and maritime security strategy have essentially the same purpose: to ensure the security and protection of national interests in the maritime environment. However, the key difference lies in the level of approach and detail. Maritime Security Policy sets the overall direction and objectives, while Maritime Security Strategy provides more specific guidance and concrete actions to achieve these objectives.
Finally, maritime security policy and maritime security strategy are essential tools in ensuring the security and protection of national interests in the maritime environment. By defining clear objectives and developing an appropriate action plan, a country can effectively address threats and challenges in the maritime environment and promote security and stability in this critical area. Coordination and synergy between maritime security policy and strategy are key to an effective and comprehensive approach to maritime security.
Thus, maritime security policy and maritime security strategy are two complementary and interdependent concepts, working together to ensure national security and the protection of interests in the maritime environment. By applying an integrative approach, combining maritime security policy and maritime security strategy, a nation can strengthen its capabilities and effectively address threats and challenges in the maritime environment.
The Maritime Security Policy provides a general framework and guiding principles, providing the basic direction and objectives for the management of maritime security. It addresses complex issues such as national security, protection of maritime resources, territorial defence, international cooperation and the promotion of stability in the maritime region. Maritime security policy is often formulated at the national level, reflecting the nation’s interests and values and taking into account the regional and global context.
On the other hand, the maritime security strategy is a more specific and operational approach to implementing maritime security policy. It focuses on assessing and identifying specific threats and vulnerabilities, formulating concrete objectives and specific actions to address these challenges. Maritime security strategy involves detailed strategic planning, including resource allocation, capability development, international cooperation and identifying ways to adapt and innovate in the face of technological and geopolitical developments.
The relationship between maritime security policy and maritime security strategy is one of complementarity and interdependence. Maritime Security Policy provides the overall direction and basic objectives, while Maritime Security Strategy provides a detailed plan and specific measures to achieve these objectives. The Maritime Security Policy sets out the principles and values that guide the strategy, while the Maritime Security Strategy provides concrete ways of implementation and action.
Coherence and coordination between maritime security policy and maritime security strategy are essential for an effective and synergistic approach to maritime security. They need to be regularly aligned and updated to respond to new challenges and changes in the maritime environment. In addition, collaboration between different government agencies, naval forces, maritime industry and international partners is crucial to successfully implement maritime security policy and strategy.
In conclusion, maritime security policy and maritime security strategy are two interdependent and complementary concepts in addressing maritime security. Maritime Security Policy provides the overall direction and objectives, while Maritime Security Strategy provides a detailed action plan and specific measures to achieve these objectives. By integrating maritime security policy and strategy, a nation can develop a coherent and comprehensive approach to managing threats and promoting security in the maritime environment.
As a legislative mechanism for the adoption of a maritime policy for Romania, there may be variants depending on the context and existing legal provisions. In general, the simplistic process could include several steps.
The first step would be for the Romanian Government, through the Ministry of Transport and/or the Ministry of the Environment, in collaboration with other relevant government departments, such as the Ministry of Agriculture or the Ministry of Economy, to draw up a draft law or strategic plan.
This should be followed by a debate on the draft or plan in Parliament, where it can also be subject to a public consultation process. The debate will end with the approval of the draft or plan by the Parliament, by a majority vote of Members.
This is followed by the promulgation of the draft or plan by the President of Romania and the implementation of the policy or strategy by the responsible government departments through a detailed action plan and a monitoring and reporting mechanism.
Periodically or whenever necessary, the policy or strategy will be evaluated and reviewed periodically to ensure that it meets the current needs and objectives of the country.
Knowing that a slightly different terminology is used worldwide than in Romania, we will have to make a brief analysis of it. Thus, in Romania, due to the specific existence of the maritime area, the river area, the Danube Delta, the Danube-Black Sea navigable channel, the following terms are usually used: maritime – with reference only to the Black Sea and the Planetary Ocean sector, fluvial – with reference to the Maritime and Fluvial Danube and the term naval, to combine the two.
In order to make a correlation between national and international terminology, we believe that international terminology, which has different meanings, should be adopted. Thus, when we talk about maritime, we should also include navigation on rivers and inland waters, and the use of the term naval should refer only to the military side.
Defining the maritime sector, we can state that it comprises activities that take place in or in connection with marine areas, such as:
- commercial navigation and maritime transport, which includes the transport of goods and passengers by sea;
- sea fishing, which includes catching fish, shellfish and other marine species;
- exploitation of marine resources, such as deep-sea oil or gas extraction or marine mining;
- marine tourism, which includes cruises, beach holidays and recreational activities at sea;
- Exploitation of marine energy, such as wind or wave power;
- protecting the marine environment, such as the conservation of marine species, habitats and aquatic ecosystems.
Defining the river sector, we can state that it includes similar activities, but taking place on rivers, lakes and canals, such as:
- commercial navigation and inland waterway transport, which includes the transport of goods and passengers on rivers and canals;
- river fishing, which includes catching fish, crustaceans and other species from rivers and lakes;
- exploitation of river resources, such as the extraction of hydropower or minerals from river waters;
- river tourism, which includes river and lake cruises and recreational activities on flowing waters;
- protecting the river environment, such as the conservation of aquatic species, habitats and river ecosystems.
These are starting points for a broader analysis to provide arguments in favour of the development and adoption of a national maritime policy, and on this basis, a national maritime strategy.
Developing a maritime strategy is a complex process, involving the assessment of a range of geopolitical, military, economic, technological and environmental factors, and these factors may vary according to the country and the specific context.
However, there are some general steps to follow to develop a maritime strategy:
Assessing national interests – the first step is to identify national objectives and interests related to the maritime strategy. These may include protecting economic interests, ensuring maritime security, promoting international cooperation, developing military capabilities and others;
Threat and opportunity assessment – the next step is to analyse the security and environmental factors that could affect national maritime interests, including threats to maritime security, increased ship traffic, climate change, etc. This will help identify specific opportunities and threats that could influence maritime strategy.
Develop specific policies and objectives – based on the assessment of interests and threats, the next step is to develop specific policies and objectives that will guide the maritime strategy. These policies and objectives may include defence capability development, regional cooperation, management of marine resources, etc.
Identify resources needed – once the specific objectives and policy have been established, the next step is to identify the resources needed to implement the strategy. These resources may include investment in infrastructure, development of military capabilities, cooperation with other countries and others.
Implementation and monitoring – finally, it is important to implement the strategy and monitor progress against objectives and policy. This may include measures to track vessel traffic, strengthen defence capabilities and monitor changes in the marine environment.
In conclusion, developing a maritime strategy requires a systematic approach and a rigorous process of analysis and planning.
Objectives
The strategy aims to protect the strategic maritime interests of Romania, a member of the European Union and NATO, at the global level. The objectives relate to: general security and peace, rule of law, freedom of navigation, control of external borders, maritime infrastructure (ports, underwater pipelines and cables, wind farms, etc.), natural resources and environmental health and preparedness against climate change.
Romania’s maritime strategy strengthens the link between internal and external security, combining the objectives of the European Union’s Security Strategy with the topics of the Blue Economy.
Actions
The Maritime Strategy should be implemented through an action plan addressing, in principle, six key areas: national and international cooperation; maritime surveillance; capacity building; research and innovation; risk management; education and training.
Through close cooperation and coordination, Romania can make better use of its resources and enter into more effective and credible international partnerships.
Romania needs a maritime policy and a maritime strategy to maximise the economic and environmental benefits of the country’s maritime areas and to effectively manage aquatic and coastal resources, the economic, social and environmental benefits of maritime activities and to protect national interests in maritime areas.
A well-developed maritime policy and strategy could help develop maritime industries, improve regional cooperation and manage marine resources efficiently.
The current situation calls for the development of a maritime policy and maritime strategy, adapted to the national specificities, integrated into Romania’s national policies and strategies, which can become a country project on the basis of a broad consultation of the economic, social and governmental environment.
[1] Author: Rear Admiral Flotilla (rtr) PhD. Sorin LEARSCHI, Director of the Maritime Security Forum, www.forumulsecuritatiimaritime.ro .
[2] https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/ro/sheet/159/politica-de-securitate-si-aparare-comuna – accessed on 20.03.2023.
[3] Promoting national security in a coherent and integrated manner refers to taking a comprehensive and holistic approach to ensuring a country’s security. This involves coordination and integration of efforts between the various government institutions and agencies responsible for national security, such as the defence forces, intelligence services, police, border authorities and other relevant organisations.
[4] https://www.forumulsecuritatiimaritime.ro/are-nevoie-romania-de-o-politica-maritima-si-o-strategie-maritima/ – accessed on 20.03.2023
[5] https://invatatiafaceri.ro/diferente/diferenta-dintre-strategie-si-politica/ – accessed on 20.03.2023
[6] https://sgg.gov.ro/docs/File/UPP/doc/manual-metode-impact.pdf – accessed on 20.03.2023
[7] http://www.kropfpolisci.com/public.policy.anderson.pdf – accessed on 20.03.2023