| Publisher | General Secretariat of the Council |
|---|---|
| Series Title | Press Release |
| Series Details | PRES/15/301 |
| Publication Date | 18/05/2015 |
| Content Type | News |
|
Summary: Establishment of the Operation EUNAVFOR MED, the European Union's military mission aimed at disrupting the business model of human smugglers and traffickers in the Southern Central Mediterranean. Further information: The Council of the European Union decided to establish the EUNAVOR MED on 18 May 2015. This decision enabled the formal start of the operational planning for the naval operation and it became part of the comprehensive response provided by the European Union (EU) to the migration crisis affecting the continent. EUNAVFOR MED was set up to be conducted in sequential phases and in accordance with the requirements of international law. Firstly, planning of the operation and the initial phase of surveillance and assessment of human smuggling and trafficking networks in the Southern Central Mediterranean. The second and third phases of the operation would work to search, seize and disrupt the assets of smugglers, based on international law and in partnership with Libyan authorities. The Operation was launched on 22 June 2015, and the second phase of the Operation was given the go-ahead on 14 September, with its launch on 7 October. The United Nations (UN) Security Council passed a resolution on the 9 October 2015 allowing EU naval forces to intercept and seize vessels smuggling refugees on high seas, also known as Resolution 2240 (2015). |
|
| Source Link | http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2015/05/18-council-establishes-naval-operations-disrupt-human-smugglers-mediterannean/ |
| Related Links |
|
| Subject Categories | Security and Defence |
| Subject Tags | EU Operations, Migration | Immigration |
| Keywords | EUNAVFOR MED | Operation Sophia, Human Trafficking |
| International Organisations | European Union [EU] |
