The commander of Operation Irini, Marco Casapieri, has confirmed that cooperation with Libyan authorities responsible for maritime search and rescue is “progressing very well,” highlighting renewed training programmes and expanding joint initiatives in the Mediterranean. His comments come two months after taking office and reflect growing coordination between the EU operation and Libya’s naval institutions.
Casapieri said the mission has resumed the training of Libyan Navy personnel, marking a renewed phase of practical support. According to him, the operation has relaunched cooperative projects “with a gradual, small-scale approach” to ensure sustainability and measurable progress.
He revealed that in September, Operation Irini completed its first basic training course for 30 Libyan military personnel in Taranto, Italy — describing it as a “significant achievement” toward strengthening Libya’s maritime capabilities.
The commander added that the mission continues to rely on its available naval assets and the aerial units routinely deployed for maritime patrols, ensuring effective monitoring of the Mediterranean operating area.
Addressing security challenges in the region, Casapieri warned that the mission faces an evolving hybrid threat, requiring Irini to adapt continuously to emerging scenarios. This includes adjusting operational methods to better detect and monitor illicit activities that could threaten vital maritime infrastructure across the central Mediterranean.
Casapieri reiterated that Operation Irini remains mandated to enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya, acting under the Security Council resolution that established the maritime blockade. However, he clarified that the mission has no authority over air traffic, noting that the absence of an international air embargo means any flights to Libya remain outside Irini’s scope.
His remarks were reported by the Italian news agency Nova and reflect the EU’s continued efforts to support stability, maritime security, and embargo enforcement in Libya’s waters.