10 YEARS OF EUNAVFOR MED OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS (OHQ) IN ROME
On the 18th of May 2025, EUNAVFOR MED Operational Headquarters (OHQ) in Rome celebrate its 10th anniversary. This important milestone invites us to reflect on a decade of EUNAVFOR MED activity, highlighting both continuity and evolution in the EU’s approach to regional security and stability.
The EUNAVFOR MED IRINI’s Operational Headquarters (OHQ) is one of five command structures offered by EU Member States and one of three that are currently active in directing and controlling EU operations. Originally designated for EUNAVFOR MED Operation SOPHIA by the EU Council Decision 2015/778 of 18 May 2015, it is now the headquarters of IRINI’s Operation Commander, Rear Admiral Valentino RINALDI.
Strategically located at the “Francesco Baracca” military base in Centocelle, Rome, close to the Italian Joint Operations Headquarters, which ensures an effective operational, technical and logistical support, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI OHQ has built up a decade of valuable experience and operational expertise in maritime operations and now plays a key role in ensuring maritime security and safeguarding the EU’s interests in the Mediterranean by being an operational command that is always ready, highly capable and responsive to the EU’s needs.
The current Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, whose main task is to enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya, has benefited greatly from the foundation laid by Operation SOPHIA, inheriting its robust structure, including its Operational Headquarters, and extensive experience in commanding and conducting maritime operations. Most recently extended through 31 March 2027, Operation IRINI utilizes a combination of maritime, aerial, and satellite resources to inspect vessels suspected of carrying arms to or from Libya also contributing to monitor violations of the embargo by air and land.
Beyond arms control, IRINI works to gather information and prevent oil smuggling, disrupt human smuggling networks and supports the capacity building and training initiatives in favor of the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy. A newer addition to its mandate involves enhancing Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA), aimed at detecting illegal activities, protecting critical underwater infrastructure, and advancing the EU’s strategic interests in the region.
Operation IRINI is an important tool in the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy, demonstrating a long-term commitment to peace, stability and humanitarian principles in the strategic Mediterranean area. The extension and strengthening of the Operation’s mandate underlines the determination of EU Member States to further strengthen their joint commitment to security in the Mediterranean, and to affirm the strong European identity that inspires the Operation and its crucial oversight role in enforcing international law and protecting EU interests.
