ROME — EUNAVFOR MED Operation IRINI and the Italian Navy have signed a Technical Arrangement to strengthen cooperation on the protection of Critical Maritime Infrastructure (CMI) in the Central Mediterranean, expanding information sharing, coordinated monitoring and maritime surveillance.
Why it matters: The Central Mediterranean hosts major commercial sea lanes alongside critical undersea infrastructure connecting Europe.
- The agreement strengthens coordination on monitoring sensitive maritime areas and identifying suspicious activity near assets such as undersea cables and pipelines.
- It reinforces IRINI’s role in the EU’s broader maritime security framework through enhanced information sharing and operational coordination.
The big picture: The Technical Arrangement forms part of the EU’s integrated approach to maritime security. According to the parties, it enhances cooperation between IRINI and the Italian Navy while supporting the protection of maritime infrastructure considered essential to Europe’s security and prosperity.
- The agreement also reinforces IRINI’s function as a strategic maritime sensor, providing early warning, vessel tracking, information gathering and operational awareness in a region where most undersea cables connecting to Europe intersect.
- Recent verification boardings of vessels operating in the region have highlighted the operational importance of maintaining a persistent European maritime presence and a detailed picture of activity at sea and of IRINI’s operational transformation.
Zoom in: Closer operation. The arrangement establishes closer operational cooperation between IRINI and the Italian Navy to improve monitoring of sensitive maritime zones and strengthen the Recognised Maritime Picture.
- It also introduces secure communication channels, shared geo-mapping reference systems and coordinated reporting mechanisms aimed at improving the identification of suspicious activities near critical maritime infrastructure.
What they’re saying:
- Vice Admiral Aurelio De Carolis, Commander in Chief of the Italian Naval Fleet, said maritime security is essential for both Italy and the European Union, warning that illegal actions at sea could have consequences for the entire continent. He said the agreement would strengthen joint efforts to protect critical infrastructure and contribute to stability across the Mediterranean.
- Rear Admiral (UH) Marco Casapieri, Operation Commander of IRINI, said the arrangement enhances Europe’s collective capacity to safeguard the maritime infrastructure on which its security and prosperity depend. He added that closer cooperation with the Italian Navy would improve risk detection, information sharing and the resilience of a rules-based maritime environment, while expressing support for similar arrangements with other European states.
- Go deeper: read the Decode39’s interview with Rear Admiral Casapieri.
What we’re watching: The Technical Arrangement entered into force upon signature and will remain in effect for the duration of IRINI’s mandate.
- According to the agreement, it reflects the shared commitment of the European Union and Italy to maintaining a secure, open and rules-based maritime domain.
