EUNAVFOR MED IRINI to host Shadow Fleet Workshop
On 20 October 2026, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI hosted the Shadow Fleet Workshop 2026 at its Operational Headquarters (OHQ) in Rome. The IRINI Operation Commander Rear Admiral (UH) Marco CASAPIERI welcomed the guests, bringing together experts from European institutions, military leadership, law-enforcement and legal authorities to discuss the challenges posed by shadow fleet activities.
The workshop addressed key aspects of the issue, including the EU sanctions framework, operational lessons and best practices, legal perspectives, and opportunities to strengthen information sharing and law-enforcement cooperation. It also examined the importance of building resilience to Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI) in Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) missions and operations.
The programme featured a keynote address by Maciej STADEJEK, EEAS Deputy Managing Director for Security and Defence Policy and EEAS Shadow Fleet Coordinator, alongside contributions from senior IRINI leadership and experts representing the European External Action Service, the Italian Navy, the French Ministry of Justice and Europol.
Through expert contributions and open discussions, the workshop fostered a shared understanding of the challenges involved and explored possible courses of action and avenues for closer cooperation.
Addressing the shadow fleet formed an important part of broader efforts to strengthen the effectiveness of sanctions, improve coordination among relevant actors and reinforce a common European response to evolving maritime and security challenges.
By bringing together operational, legal and policy perspectives, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI supported dialogue and cooperation on this complex and increasingly important issue bringing some light in the shadow.
