"The rules of engagement are very robust, with the possibility of using all means including force to protect, to deter and to prosecute all acts of piracy," he told reporters as EU foreign ministers met in Brussels.

The decision came on the day the EU launched its first-ever naval operation, to be led by Britain, with six warships and three surveillance planes patrolling pirate infested seas in the Horn of Africa.

The EU vessels face the daunting task of covering an area of around one million square kilometres, in waters that have seen nearly 100 ships attacked by pirates this year.

For a year, vessels from at least eight countries -- Belgium, Britain, France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, Spain and Sweden -- will escort aid ships and carry out anti-piracy duties under British Admiral Phillip Jones.

With a headquarters in Northwood near London, the fleet will initially be led off the coast of Somalia by Greek Admiral Antonios Popaioannou, with a Spaniard and then a Dutch officer taking over after three-month terms.

While the EUNAVFOR Atalanta mission officially started Monday -- taking over from four NATO vessels in the waters -- it is unlikely to be up to full strength before the end of the month.

Fuller details of the mission were expected to be unveiled at a press conference.

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