The Council of the European Union has extended the mandate of EUNAVFOR MED IRINI by two years, keeping the EU-led military operation in the Mediterranean in place until March 31, 2029.
The extension was adopted on October 9, 2026, through Council Decision (CFSP) 2026/2243, which amends the legal framework governing the operation. The decision also updates IRINI’s tasks, placing them under three main roles: safeguarding EU interests in the Mediterranean, supporting the implementation of United Nations Security Council resolutions related to Libya, and strengthening regional maritime security partnerships.
For the period from April 1, 2027, to March 31, 2029, the reference amount for IRINI’s common costs is set at €16.8 million.
Under the revised mandate, IRINI will continue contributing to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya by monitoring and reporting suspected illicit arms trafficking to and from the country. The operation will gather information on arms and related materiel moving through maritime, air and land routes and share relevant findings with partner organizations and agencies.
Beyond its Libya-related responsibilities, IRINI will expand its maritime security activities. These include improving maritime situational awareness, contributing to efforts to constrain Russia’s shadow fleet in compliance with international law, and supporting the protection of critical maritime infrastructure.
The operation will also continue supporting efforts to disrupt human smuggling and trafficking networks through information gathering and aerial patrols over the high seas within its agreed area of operations.
The updated mandate further strengthens IRINI’s regional cooperation role. The operation will support capacity building and training for Libyan institutions responsible for maritime law enforcement and search and rescue at sea. It will also explore opportunities for maritime security cooperation with other countries in the region, including Egypt, Tunisia and Lebanon.
The operation was established in March 2020 to contribute to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya. Its mandate has since been updated to reflect the EU’s wider maritime security objectives and its efforts to support peace and stability in Libya.