On 19 July, General Robert Brieger, the Chairman of the European Union Military Committee, attended the Change of Command Ceremony of EUNAVFOR MED IRINI’s Operation Commanders in Rome, Italy.

The operation launched in March 2020 is a tangible contribution to achieve peace and stability in Libya. IRINI is a military maritime security operation deployed in the Mediterranean Sea under the EU Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP).

The core task of the Operation is the implementation of the arms embargo imposed on Libya by the United Nations Security Council. It monitors illicit exports of petroleum products from Libya, and contributes to countering human smuggling and trafficking networks through information gathering and patrolling by air assets.

The first six months of 2024 have been turbulent and demanding in the area of operation, but the troops aboard did an outstanding service. The command post of the operation has been transferred from Rear Admiral Stefano TURCHETTO (IT) to Rear Admiral Valentino RINALDI (IT).

The Chairman praised Rear Admiral Turchetto for his great service and leadership, and welcomed Rear Admiral Rinaldi, while wishing success for the upcoming months of the operation under his command.