Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI

Operation IRINI has successfully completed Focused Operations NEREUS 2026, a ten day surge of coordinated EU naval and air activities across the Central Mediterranean and the Aegean Sea.

The surge strengthened operational readiness, enhanced interoperability among Member States’ forces, and reinforced the EU’s role as a maritime security provider.

On 11 June, IRINI hosted a DV Day with Lieutenant General Enrico BARDUANI, Deputy Chair of the European Union Military Committee, who met crews and observed operational activities at sea.
NEREUS 2026 confirms the EU’s commitment to a coordinated, rules based maritime presence in a region of strategic importance.

On 6 June, Operation IRINI joins in celebrating Sweden’s National Day, honouring the country’s values, history, and commitment to peace and security.
We extend our best wishes to all Swedish citizens and recognise Sweden’s important contribution to our Operation.

On 2 June, we join in celebrating Festa della Repubblica, honouring the values of , service, and national unity.

EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI extends its best wishes to all Italian citizens, recognising Italy’s steadfast contribution to our operation and to maritime security in the Mediterranean.

Buona Festa della Repubblica!

The Military Archbishop of Italy 🇮🇹, H.E. Gian Franco Saba, accompanied by RADM (UH) Marco Casapieri, Commander of Operation IRINI 🇪🇺, visited the flagship ITS Morosini during its patrol in the Mediterranean Sea.
The visit continued to the IRINI detachments of Seagull, Pirate, and FLS Augusta at Sigonella base.

This significant moment highlighted the broad mission and strategic value of Operation IRINI, carried out every day by dedicated women and men from across Europe who work tirelessly to safeguard security and stability in the Mediterranean.

Today 30 May is Croatia National Day.
EUNAVFORMED Operation IRINI wishes a good day to all Croatian people!

ITS Morosini, Flagship of Operation IRINI, continues its patrols in the Mediterranean.
Professionalism, vigilance, and commitment at sea.
Together for

Hellenic Ship Kanaris 🇬🇷 patrolling Mediterranean sea 🌊
Together for 🇪🇺

The Luxembourg Seagull is currently patrolling the Central Mediterranean in support of Operation IRINI.
Through its surveillance activities, the asset contributes to EU efforts to enhance maritime security and support the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya.

A steady and reliable contribution to the EU’s collective security effort.

Life at is never just a job.
It's shared routines that become family, and the quiet pride of knowing your presence makes a difference.
ITS and HS continue their patrols across the as part of EUNAVFOR MED Operation .

Two crews, one shared purpose: safeguarding the sea and contributing to regional stability.
Their work is demanding. It means facing the elements, adapting to every situation, and staying ready at all times. Yet every sailor on board carries the same determination. To protect, to serve, and to uphold the mission entrusted to them.

Together, they embody what it means to be a security provider for the Mediterranean.

EUNAVFOR MED Operation participated in the “Peer-to-Peer seminar on the protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure”
The event, held at the Italian Navy’s Officers’ Club in Rome from 28 to 30 April, was jointly organised by the European Security and Defence College (ESDC), the Italian Navy, and the European External Action Service (EEAS), with the valuable support of ESIWA+ (Enhancing security cooperation in and with Asia and the Indo-Pacific), including the participation of Dr. Alison Weston, Senior Coordinator for Maritime Security and Deputy to the Director for Security and Defence Policy in the European External Action Service (EEAS).

Throughout the sessions, participants examined the vulnerabilities affecting maritime infrastructure and the far reaching economic and security consequences that disruptions at sea can generate. In this context, the role of multinational operations such as Operation IRINI was highlighted as increasingly relevant to safeguarding maritime stability.
Discussions converged on the urgent need to strengthen coordination, information sharing, and interoperability among States in order to build a comprehensive and resilient Maritime Domain Awareness. A cooperative, cross regional approach was identified as essential to effectively address evolving maritime threats and ensure the protection of critical sea lines and infrastructure.
Speaking on behalf of the EUNAVFOR MED IRINI Commander, Rear Admiral (UH) Marco CASAPIERI, the Operation expressed its sincere appreciation to the ESDC, the Italian Navy, the EEAS, and ESIWA+, as well as to all Member States and sponsors, for the invitation to contribute to such a timely and relevant initiative.
The Operation’s speakers emphasized that the protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure is now more important than ever. In an increasingly complex and interconnected security environment, safeguarding these assets is not only a strategic necessity but also a shared responsibility requiring coordination, innovation, and sustained commitment among partners.

During the panel “Institutional Responses, Governance and Action Plans,” the speaker from EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI emphasized the growing importance of protecting critical maritime infrastructure. In an increasingly complex and interconnected security environment, the protection of critical maritime infrastructure, such as submarine cables and pipelines, represents not only a strategic necessity, but also a collective responsibility that demands coordination, innovation, and continuous commitment among partners.