Change of Command at EUNAVFOR MED IRINI: Rear Admiral Valentino RINALDI hands over to Rear Admiral Marco CASAPIERI
Rome, 12 September 2025.
A symbolic moment of continuity and leadership took place today at the headquarters of EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI in Rome. Rear Admiral Valentino RINALDI officially handed over Command of the European Union’s naval operation in the Mediterranean to Rear Admiral Marco CASAPIERI. The ceremony took place in presence of General Seán Clancy, Chairman of the EU Military Committee, and attended by high-level military and civilian authorities.
Launched in March 2020 under the EU’s Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), Operation IRINI has become a cornerstone of European efforts to promote security and stability in the Mediterranean. Its mandate includes enforcing the United Nations arms embargo on Libya, countering oil smuggling, disrupting human trafficking business model, enhancing maritime situational awareness, and providing Capacity Building & Training initiatives to support the Libyan maritime authorities.
Carrying out these duties require not only operational assets, as ships and aircraft, but also impartiality, professionalism, and transparency. These principles guide every action and ensure the Operation remains a trusted and credible actor in a complex regional environment. Operation IRINI is a concrete demonstration of the EU’s commitment to the UN-led peace process in Libya. By enforcing the arms embargo and monitoring activities at sea, IRINI contributes to the peace and stabilization of the country, thereby supporting the ceasefire and paving the way for long-term political solutions. Furthermore, the Operation in the spirit of the EU Integrated Approach to External Conflicts and Crises strengthens the EU’s diplomatic efforts to ensure peace and prosperity in the region.
EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI is a tangible example of the EU’s commitment and unity. Member States provide personnel, ships, and aircraft, ensuring the Operation can operate around the clock. This collective commitment underscores the EU’s determination to protect stability in the central Mediterranean and uphold international law in one of the world’s most strategically vital region.
In his farewell speech, Rear Admiral RINALDI reflected on his period of Command and the results obtained together with his staff:“It was a real honor to Command the EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI, strengthening its critical role as a Maritime Security Provider in the Mediterranean and guiding it in its strategic review towards the new task of contributing to the Maritime Situational Awareness in defense of EU interests, while promoting mutually beneficial cooperation between the Libyan authorities and the EU institutions”.
Taking over the Command, Rear Admiral CASAPIERI emphasized the importance of continuity and dedication to the EU mandate of Operation IRINI: “I am honored to assume the Command of Operation IRINI. Our objectives remain clear: to support, under the United Nations framework, the Libyan ambitions for peace and stability and to ensure Europe remains a reliable and effective provider of maritime security across the Mediterranean”.
The leadership of the new Operation Commander, Rear Admiral CASAPIERI, will ensure that the Operation continues to contribute firmly to peace, stability and respect for international law by representing a pillar of the EU’s commitment to security in the Mediterranean.
