German government prolongs naval missions in Mediterranean for another year
-Cabinet extends German participation in Operation Irini and Sea Guardian until November 2027, with the extension still requiring parliamentary approval
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-Cabinet extends German participation in Operation Irini and Sea Guardian until November 2027, with the extension still requiring parliamentary approval
By Ayhan Simsek
BERLIN (AA) - The German Cabinet on Wednesday approved a one-year extension of the nation’s armed forces' participation in two Mediterranean operations.
Deputy government spokesman Sebastian Hille told a press conference in Berlin that the Cabinet had made a number of important decisions, including the extension of two mandates for the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr).
"These concern Operation Irini and Operation Sea Guardian—both of which take place in the Mediterranean," Hille said. "Germany’s participation in both missions is set to be extended by one year, until November 30, 2027."
As is standard procedure for Bundeswehr mandates, the extension still requires parliamentary approval, he added.
The maximum number of personnel authorized for Operation Sea Guardian has been adjusted from 550 to 440, while the authorized strength for Operation Irini, around coastal Libya, remains unchanged at 300.
"Through its participation in these two operations, Germany makes a clear contribution to maritime security and stability in Europe’s southern neighborhood," Hille said.
Operation Sea Guardian is a NATO maritime security mission in the Mediterranean focused on counter-terrorism, monitoring vessel traffic, and potential dangers.
Operation Irini is an EU naval force operation launched in 2020 primarily to help enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya. The mission has faced criticism over its limited practical impact and questions about its relevance under current conditions.
Ayhan Şimşek