A delegation of the War College “Ban Josip Jelačić” of the Croatian Defence Academy visited the EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI Headquarters
On April 27, 2026, a delegation of the War College “Ban Josip Jelačić” of the Croatian Defence Academy visited the EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI Headquarters in Rome, where they were welcomed by the Deputy Commander, Rear Admiral (LH) Jean-Marc Le Quilliec on behalf of OPCDR, Rear Admiral (UH) Marco CASAPIERI.
The delegation, led by Colonel Zdravko Barbarić, Head of the War School “Ban Josip Jelačić,” included civil and military participants from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Slovenia, and Montenegro. The visit formed part of the College’s international cooperation program, which promotes professional exchanges among European defence institutions and enhances understanding of EU and NATO operations.
During the visit, the IRINI’s Chief of Staff, Commodore Stavros Polydorou, outlined the characteristics of the Operation. After, Operation Irini’s staff presented IRINI’s mission, structure, and achievements, emphasizing its mandate to implement the UN Security Council arms embargo on Libya, as well as its efforts to counter illicit oil exports and human trafficking in the Mediterranean. The delegation also received insights into IRINI’s Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) activities supporting Libyan maritime authorities and its expanded role in Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA), including surveillance activities and gather information useful to protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure (CMI) following the EU mandate extension until March 2027.
The exchange provided an opportunity for participants to gain a deeper understanding of the operational, strategic, and legal aspects of EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI. It also reinforced the shared European commitment to security, stability, and cooperation in the Mediterranean region.
