EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia: mandate extended until 31 December 2018

Summary:

The Council of the European Union decided on 25 July 2017 to extend the mandate of EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia unti 31 December 2018.

Further information:

EUNAVFOR MED 'Operation Sophia' is the European Union's naval operation disrupting the business model of migrant smugglers and human traffickers in the Southern Central Mediterranean. The operation has two supporting tasks: training the Libyan Coastguard and Navy and contributing to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on the high seas off the coast of Libya in accordance with UNSCR 2292 (2016) and 2357 (2017).

The Council also amended the operation's mandate to:

• set up a monitoring mechanism of trainees to ensure the long-term efficiency of the training of the Libyan Coastguard;
• conduct new surveillance activities and gather information on illegal trafficking of oil exports from Libya in accordance with UNSCR 2146 (2014) and 2362 (2017);
• enhance the possibilities for sharing information on human trafficking with member states' law enforcement agencies, FRONTEX and EUROPOL.