Rome | EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI participated in the “Peer-to-Peer seminar on the protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure”
The event, held at the Italian Navy’s Officers’ Club in Rome from 28 to 30 April, was jointly organised by the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), the Italian Navy, and the European External Action Service (EEAS), with the valuable support of ESIWA+ (Enhancing security cooperation in and with Asia and the Indo-Pacific), including the participation of Dr. Alison Weston, Senior Coordinator for Maritime Security and Deputy to the Director for Security and Defence Policy in the European External Action Service (EEAS).
Throughout the sessions, participants examined the vulnerabilities affecting maritime infrastructure and the far‑reaching economic and security consequences that disruptions at sea can generate. In this context, the role of multinational operations such as Operation IRINI was highlighted as increasingly relevant to safeguarding maritime stability.
Discussions converged on the urgent need to strengthen coordination, information‑sharing, and interoperability among States in order to build a comprehensive and resilient Maritime Domain Awareness. A cooperative, cross‑regional approach was identified as essential to effectively address evolving maritime threats and ensure the protection of critical sea lines and infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of the EUNAVFOR MED IRINI Commander, Rear Admiral (UH) Marco CASAPIERI, the Operation expressed its sincere appreciation to the ESDC, the Italian Navy, the EEAS, and ESIWA+, as well as to all Member States and sponsors, for the invitation to contribute to such a timely and relevant initiative.
The Operation’s speakers emphasized that the protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure is now more important than ever. In an increasingly complex and interconnected security environment, safeguarding these assets is not only a strategic necessity but also a shared responsibility requiring coordination, innovation, and sustained commitment among partners.
During the panel “Institutional Responses, Governance and Action Plans,” the speaker from EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI emphasized the growing importance of protecting critical maritime infrastructure. In an increasingly complex and interconnected security environment, the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, such as submarine cables and pipelines, represents not only a strategic necessity, but also a collective responsibility that demands coordination, innovation, and continuous commitment among partners.
