A Council Decision to launch the European Union military operation, EUNAVFOR MED, was adopted at the formal Meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on 22 June. The mission is one element of a comprehensive approach to addressing the migration crisis in the South Central Mediterranean. Irish Defence Forces Personnel are not taking any part in this mission.
The Mission will be implemented in sequential phases and the first phase of the operation, to support the detection and monitoring of migration networks through information gathering and patrolling in accordance with international law, will commence shortly. To move beyond the first phase the Council will assess whether the conditions for transition have been met, taking into account any applicable UN Security Council Resolution and the consent of the coastal States concerned. The second phase involves the targeting, seizure and possible destruction of the vessels and assets of human traffickers. The third phase is an operational/disruption phase.
Consideration of participation by the Irish Defence Forces in EUNAVFOR MED will only occur if there is a UN Security Council Resolution and the applicable National statutory requirements are met. I understand that discussions on a draft Security Council Resolution are ongoing.
Minister Flanagan and I attended the Foreign Affairs Council on 18 May at which this mission was extensively discussed. We are ad idem on Ireland's approach to this mission and recognise the requirement for a Security Council Resolution before any consideration of participation of the Irish Defence Forces can take place.
