On 13 October, Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI said the Council of the European Union has renewed its mandate until 31 March 2029.
Operation Irini said it ‘emerges stronger than ever, with the political objectives of safeguarding European Union interests in the Mediterranean and contributing to peace and stability in Libya.’ Under its renewed mandate, IRINI will fulfil three strategic roles: safeguarding EU interests in the Mediterranean through credible protection and deterrence; contributing to the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions in support of peace and stability in Libya; and fostering Mediterranean partnerships through capacity building and training, as well as naval diplomacy, within the EU’s integrated approach.
In addition to its existing tasks, Operation IRINI will take on three new responsibilities in the Mediterranean: contributing to efforts to constrain the Russian shadow fleet; strengthening EU and Member States’ maritime domain awareness; and supporting the protection of critical maritime infrastructure.