MEDITERRANEAN FOUNDATION FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES VISITS IRINI OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS (OHQ) IN ROME
On May 16th, a delegation from the French Institute Mediterranean Foundation for Strategic Studies (FMES) visited the Operational Headquarters (OHQ) of EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI in Rome. The visit provided an in-depth briefing on the Operation’s ongoing strategic objectives and future developments.
Rear Admiral Valentino RINALDI, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI’s Operation Commander, formally welcomed the delegation and led the exchange at the OHQ. This visit marked a valuable opportunity for mutual engagement between the EU operation and one of France’s leading strategic think tanks.
Established in 1989, FMES specializes in geopolitical and strategic analysis related to the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and global maritime affairs. The foundation conducts research, training, and high-level consultations in defense, risk management, security, and intelligence strategy.
During the visit, the FMES delegation received a comprehensive overview of IRINI’s key achievements and responsibilities. Particular emphasis was placed on the Operation’s impartial and effective enforcement of the United Nations Security Council arms embargo on Libya, aimed at fostering regional peace and stability. Other Operation priorities highlighted included countering human trafficking and oil smuggling, as well as supporting the development of Libyan maritime authorities through Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) initiatives.
A key point of discussion was the recent EU Council Decision 488/2025, which extended IRINI’s mandate until March 2027. The decision also broadened 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.
The visit served as a strong demonstration of European unity and commitment to upholding international law and regional security in the Central Mediterranean. It also reinforced the importance of collaborative engagement between EU Operations and strategic policy institutions such as FMES.
