The European Union has expanded the powers of Operation IRINI, the naval mission operating in the Mediterranean, allowing participating vessels to stop, detain and inspect ships suspected of belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, in a move that could further increase the mission’s strategic importance in waters near Libya.
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced the decision ahead of a meeting of European defence ministers in Cyprus, saying the revised rules of engagement would enable naval forces to take a more active role in enforcing sanctions against Moscow.
“Our Operation IRINI has changed its rules of engagement and now allows the detention and inspection of ships,” Kallas said, adding that the measure is intended to strengthen sanctions enforcement, improve maritime safety and reduce revenues that Russia could use to finance its war in Ukraine.
For Libya, the development is particularly significant because Operation IRINI was originally launched in March 2020 to monitor and enforce the United Nations arms embargo on the country. Based in Rome, the mission also tracks illicit oil exports, combats migrant smuggling and human trafficking networks, and provides training and support to the Libyan Coast Guard.
The expanded mandate comes as the European Union increases pressure on vessels accused of helping Russia circumvent restrictions on oil exports. Brussels has already adopted its twentieth package of sanctions against Moscow, targeting additional ships and services linked to Russian crude shipments.
Several European countries have recently taken action against vessels suspected of sanctions violations. France, Britain, Germany, Estonia and Finland have all detained or seized ships allegedly involved in sanctions evasion or other illicit activities.
The move highlights the growing evolution of Operation IRINI from a mission primarily focused on Libya into a broader Mediterranean security operation. Nevertheless, Libya remains central to the mission’s mandate, particularly regarding arms trafficking, illegal oil exports and maritime security challenges.
Russia has criticised the European measures, accusing EU member states of engaging in what it described as “piracy” and rejecting the legal basis of the “shadow fleet” designation under international maritime law.