VISIT OF THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE OF LUXEMBOURG, YURIKO BACKES AT EUNAVFOR MED IRINI OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS
On 16 March, Rear Admiral Marco CASAPIERI, Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, welcomed Yuriko BACKES, Minister of Defence of Luxembourg, to the Operational Headquarters in Rome. 
During the visit, the Minister of Defence received a detailed briefing on the Operation’s state of play and ongoing activities. Along with the implementation of the United Nations arms embargo on Libya, the presentation focused in particular on EUNAVFOR MED IRINI’s latest task of enhancing Maritime Situational Awareness (MSA), with a particular focus on contributing to the protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure and monitoring illicit activities in the Mediterranean region, aspects of growing strategic importance to EU interests. In addition, the Operation’s ongoing efforts to disrupt illicit oil smuggling combat human trafficking, and support Libyan maritime authorities through Capacity Building and Training (CB&T) programs were highlighted.
During the visit, Minister BACKES had the opportunity to greet a selection of our multinational staff and gained valuable insights into the Operation’s daily work for peace and security, as well as the protection of EU interests in the Mediterranean. Rear Admiral CASAPIERI acknowledged the crucial role of the Member States in supporting the Operation, highlighting the strategic value of the operational assets provided to carry out the tasks assigned by the EU mandate. The visit underscored the European Union’s close cooperation and shared commitment to fostering stability and ensuring maritime security in the central Mediterranean.
