European Union Naval Force Mediterranean | |
---|---|
Also known as | EUNAVOR MED, Operation Irini |
Political leader | European Union |
Operation Commander | Rear admiral Stefano Turchetto[1] |
Deputy Operation Commander | Rear admiral Jean Jourdain de Muizon[1] |
Chief Of Staff | Brigadier general Matteo Spreafico[1] |
Force Commander | Commodore (rank) Konstantinos Bakalakos[1] |
Dates of operation | 31 March 2020 | – present
Country | European Union |
Motives | Implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya |
Colours | Blue, white, and yellow |
Website | Operation Irini |
The European Union Naval Force Mediterranean Operation Irini (EUNAVFOR MED IRINI) was launched on 31 March 2020 with the primary mission to enforce the United Nations arms embargo to Libya due to the Second Libyan Civil War. Operation Irini is a European Union military operation under the umbrella of the Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP). The operation is expected to use aerial, maritime and satellite assets.[2]
In September 2020, the Irini operation stated that within six months, the operation sent 14 special reports to UN Panel of Experts concerning from both sides of the conflict in Libya, performed 12 visits on collaborative merchant vessels and monitored 10 ports and landing points, 25 airports and landing strips. In addition, it made 250 requests for satellite images to the EU Satellite Centre.[3]
Headquarters of the operation are in Rome, Italy. Italy and Greece alternate the force commander every six months (together with the rotation of the flagship).[4]