BALTIC DEFENCE COLLEGE VISITS IRINI OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS (OHQ) IN ROME
On June 12th, Rear Admiral Valentino RINALDI, Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, and Chief of Staff, Commodore Spyridon POLLATOS welcomed a delegation from the Baltic Defence College to the Operational Headquarters (OHQ) of Operation IRINI in Rome.
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.
During the visit, the different staff branches offered the delegation the opportunity to learn about key aspects of the work carried out at the OHQ, which operates 24/7. These included operational and logistical updates, each of which was able to provide a deeper insight into the day-to-day coordination and planning process that supports the objectives of the IRINI Operation.
The discussion 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 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. The professionalism and dedication of IRINI personnel, along with their close collaboration with colleagues from participating EU Member States, were recognized as key to the Operation’s ongoing success.
