The EU Political and Security Committee visits EUNAVFOR Med Headquarters in Rome
This morning, the members of the EU Political and Security Committee paid a visit to the Headquarters of the mission that, launched last 22 June, is in the process to transit to its second phase, as announced yesterday by the EU High Representative, Federica Mogherini.
Leaded by the ambassador Walter STEVENS, accompanied by general Patrick de Rousiers, Chairman of the European Union Military Committee (CEUMC), the delegation was welcomed by the Chief of Italian Defense, general Claudio Graziano and the Chief of the Italian Joint Operation HQ, general Marco Bertolini, before receiving an update by the Operation Commander, admiral Enrico Credendino, about the current situation on the field and the ongoing transition to the second phase of the operation.
Furthermore, a videoconference connection with the at sea Flagship, Italian Aircraft Carrier CAVOUR, provided the occasion to receive a detailed report about the tactics that will be employed during the phase 2 of the operation in International Waters, from the EUNAVFOR MED Force Commander, rear admiral Andrea Gueglio.
During the visit, PSC members had also the opportunity to enter the EUNAVFOR MED Joint Operation Centre were all ongoing operations are followed and managed by experienced personnel coming from all the contributing member states.
EUNAVFOR MED, that reached its Full Operational Capability on 27 July, is part of a wider EU’s comprehensive approach to migration, tackling both current symptoms and root causes such as conflict, poverty, climate change and persecution.
The mission is aimed at contributing to disrupt the business model of human smuggling and trafficking networks in the Mediterranean and to prevent the further loss of life at sea.