The European Union’s naval mission, Operation Irini, has carried out more than 20,000 ship inspections and stops since its launch in March 2020, as part of efforts to enforce the United Nations arms embargo on Libya, according to data reported by the Italian news agency Nova.
Operation Irini said it has conducted 20,383 vessel stops, 764 friendly approaches, and 33 onboard inspections, including three cases in which ships were diverted. The mission has also monitored 95 suspicious flights and issued 75 port inspection recommendations, most of which were implemented across European ports.
Additionally, the mission has prepared 4,465 special reports for the UN Panel of Experts on Libya, while the European Union Satellite Centre (SatCen) provided 25 sets of satellite imagery and analyses to support monitoring activities.
Operation Irini continues to oversee 16 airports, airstrips, ports, and terminals within its Mediterranean area of operations, involving 24 EU member states and operating with a budget of €16.35 million. Its mandate has been extended until 31 March 2027.
The UN Security Council also renewed its authorization for member states to inspect vessels suspected of violating the embargo for an additional six months under Resolution 2780 (2025), continuing the framework established by Resolution 2292 (2016).
Operation Irini forms part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to the Libyan crisis, with key tasks including preventing arms and oil smuggling, gathering intelligence on irregular migration networks, and supporting the development of Libya’s maritime capabilities.
