CZECH SECURITY COMMITTEE VISITS IRINI OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS (OHQ) IN ROME
On July 4th, Rear Admiral Valentino RINALDI, Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR MED IRINI welcomed a delegation from Czech Security Committee to the Operational Headquarters (OHQ) of Operation IRINI in Rome.
The high-level delegation was composed by the President of the Czech Security Committee, Dr. Pavel ŽÁČEK, the Czech Republic Ambassador in Rome, H.E. Jan KOHOUT and several distinguished members of the Committee. The Czech Security Committee is a body of the lower house of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, which deals with key aspects of the internal and external security of the state, and is accountable for its activities to the Chamber of Deputies.
During the visit, the delegation received a detailed briefing on the Operation’s objectives and accomplishments. The presentation covered EUNAVFOR MED IRINI’s main task to ensure the impartial and effective enforcement of the United Nations arms embargo on Libya, as mandated by the UN Security Council. In addition, the Operation’s ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking, disrupt illicit oil exports, and support Libyan maritime authorities through Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) programs were highlighted, as well as the Operation’s responsibilities to include enhancing Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA) concerning illicit activities in the region, with a special focus on protecting critical underwater infrastructure, a growing area of strategic importance to EU interests.
Rear Admiral RINALDI also highlighted the recent adoption of UN Security Council resolution 2780 (2025), which renewed for six months the legal basis of the main task of ENFM IRINI, to ensure compliance with the UN arms embargo on Libya through the possibility of inspecting suspicious vessels on the high seas.
The visit of the high-level delegation of Czech Security Committee provided a valuable opportunity to highlight Operation IRINI’s activities and foster an exchange of insights and perspectives. It also served to reaffirm the European Union’s shared commitment to promoting security and stability in the central Mediterranean.
