The European Union Council has extended the mandate of EUNAVFOR MED Operation Irini by two years, pushing its operational timeline to March 31, 2027. The decision, announced on March 11, 2025, follows a Strategic Review by the European External Action Service (EEAS) and the Political and Security Committee (PSC), which highlighted the operation’s success in supporting peace and security in Libya and the broader Mediterranean region.
Launched in 2020 under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), Operation Irini is a military maritime security mission aimed at enforcing the United Nations Security Council’s arms embargo on Libya, as outlined in UNSCRs 1970 (2011), 2292 (2016), and subsequent resolutions. Deployed in the Mediterranean Sea, the operation plays a pivotal role in the EU’s integrated approach to crisis management, focusing on countering illegal arms trafficking through vessel inspections, monitoring suspicious activities, and gathering actionable intelligence.
In addition to its core mission, Operation Irini will continue to address secondary objectives, including monitoring oil smuggling, disrupting human smuggling networks, and providing capacity-building and training to Libyan institutions responsible for law enforcement and search-and-rescue operations at sea.
A significant development in this mandate renewal is the addition of a new task: enhancing Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA) in the region. This aligns with the EU’s Strategic Compass and aims to counter illegal activities, protect critical maritime infrastructure, and improve contingency planning. By bolstering information collection and sharing, Operation Irini will strengthen cooperation among Member States and safeguard EU interests in the Mediterranean.
The extension reflects the operation’s proven impact and the EU Member States’ unified commitment to maintaining a robust presence in a strategically vital area. Since its inception, Operation Irini has served as a deterrent to illicit activities while supporting the fragile peace process in Libya.
“The renewal of Operation Irini’s mandate underscores the EU’s dedication to stability and security in the Mediterranean,” an EU Council spokesperson said. “This decision ensures we can continue to address emerging challenges and protect our shared interests.”
With this two-year extension, Operation Irini remains a cornerstone of the EU’s efforts to promote peace, disrupt trafficking networks, and secure the Mediterranean through 2027.