The third edition of Intersessional Meeting was held in Rome, Italy last month with the main focus on: “Moving forward together to enhance mutual understanding and cooperation at sea”.

The meeting was organized by the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), EUNAVFOR MED (ENFM) – Sophia Operational headquarters (OHQ) and the Italian Ship owners’ Association (CONFITARMA), following the last edition of SHared Awareness and DEconfliction in the MED (SHADE Med) dated January 2019 in order to continue the structured and periodic discussions on relevant maritime safety and security issues related to the situation in the Central Mediterranean Sea.

During the workshop, attendees were informed on developments in ENFM activity and the evolving scenario in the Central Mediterranean Region from different perspectives (including migration flow updates and oil smuggling and arms embargo issues). Shipping industry highlighted aspirations with respect to cooperation and interaction, namely to cope with Search and Rescue (SAR) activities in an increasingly complex operational maritime environment.

EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia (ENFM) is a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) operation focused on disrupting the business model of migrant smugglers and human traffickers, and contributing to EU efforts for the return of stability and security in Libya and the Central Mediterranean region. ENFM is the first EU maritime force providing maritime security in the Central Mediterranean and works closely with different national, international, governmental and non-governmental, civilian and military organizations. Initially launched in 2015, ENFM is part of the EU’s comprehensive approach to migration.

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Press release

EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA