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{{Short description|European Union Military Operation in the Mediterranean Sea}}
[[File:EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia Medal.jpg|thumb|right|200px|EUNAVFOR MED/Operation Sophia Medal]]
{{Infobox war faction
{{Italic title prefixed|9}}
|name=European Union Naval Force Mediterranean
'''Operation ''Sophia''''', formally '''European Union Naval Force Mediterranean''' ('''EU NAVFOR Med'''), is a military operation of the [[European Union]] that was established as a consequence of the [[April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks]] with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the [[Mediterranean]]. The operational headquarters is located in [[Rome]].
|other_name=EUNAVOR MED, Operation Sophia
|image=Eunvafor seal.png
|caption=Emblem of the Operation
|active=June 22, 2015 – March 31, 2020
|status=|motives =Combat illegal migrant smugglers and traffickers
|headquarters=|area=| political_leader ={{Flag|European Union}}
| colours = Blue, white, and yellow
|website=[https://www.operationsophia.eu/ Operation Sophia]|leader1_name={{Flagdeco|Italy}} [[Rear admiral]] <br /> Fabio Agostini|leader2_name={{Flagdeco|France}} [[Rear admiral]] <br /> Jean-Michel Martinet|leader2_title=Deputy Operation Commander|leader1_title=Operation Commander|leader3_title=Force Commander|leader3_name={{Flagdeco|Italy}} [[Rear Admiral]] <br /> Ettore Socci|country={{Flag|European Union}}|succeeded by={{Flagdeco|EU}} [[Operation Irini]]}}
'''Operation Sophia''', formally '''European Union Naval Force Mediterranean''' ('''EU NAVFOR Med'''), was a military operation of the [[European Union]] that was established as a consequence of the [[April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks]] with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the [[Mediterranean]]. The operational headquarters was located in [[Rome]]. The EU mandate for the operation ended on March 31, 2020. [[Operation Irini]] is the successor operation.


==Establishment==
==Establishment==
The principle to establish an operation to combat people smuggling and prevent loss of life in the Mediterranean stemmed from discussions in the [[European Council]] on 20 and 23 April 2015, culminating in the issuing of a Council decision on 18 May 2015 to establish a "European Union military operation in the Southern Central Mediterranean". Rear Admiral [[Enrico Credendino]] of the [[Italian Navy]] was appointed as operation commander.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.operationsophia.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Council-Decision-CFSP-2015778-of-18-May-2015.pdf|title=COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/778 of 18 May 2015|publisher=Official Journal of the European Union |date=18 May 2015|accessdate=18 July 2018}}</ref> The [[Political and Security Committee]] appointed Italian Rear-Admiral Andrea
A [[European Maritime Force]] operation to combat people smuggling and prevent loss of life in the Mediterranean stemmed from discussions in the [[European Council]] on 20 and 23 April 2015, culminating in the issuing of a Council decision on 18 May 2015 to establish a "European Union military operation in the Southern Central Mediterranean". Rear Admiral [[Enrico Credendino]] of the [[Italian Navy]] was appointed as operation commander.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.operationsophia.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Council-Decision-CFSP-2015778-of-18-May-2015.pdf|title=COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/778 of 18 May 2015|publisher=Official Journal of the European Union |date=18 May 2015|access-date=18 July 2018}}</ref> The [[Political and Security Committee]] appointed Italian Rear-Admiral Andrea
Gueglio as force commander on 17 June 2015, and on 22 June 2015 the European Council approved the launching of EUNAVFOR Med, to take effect that day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.operationsophia.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Council-Decision-CFSP-2015972-of-22-June-2015.pdf|title=COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/972 of 22 June 2015 |publisher=Official Journal of the European Union |date=12 June 2015|accessdate=18 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.operationsophia.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Political-and-Security-Committee-Decision-CFSP-2015958-of-17-June-2015.pdf|title=POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE DECISION (CFSP) 2015/958 of 17 June 2015 |publisher=Official Journal of the European Union |date=17 June 2015|accessdate=18 July 2018}}</ref>
Gueglio as force commander on 17 June 2015, and on 22 June 2015 the European Council approved the launching of EUNAVFOR Med, to take effect that day.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.operationsophia.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Council-Decision-CFSP-2015972-of-22-June-2015.pdf|title=COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/972 of 22 June 2015 |publisher=Official Journal of the European Union |date=12 June 2015|access-date=18 July 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.operationsophia.eu/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/Political-and-Security-Committee-Decision-CFSP-2015958-of-17-June-2015.pdf|title=POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE DECISION (CFSP) 2015/958 of 17 June 2015 |publisher=Official Journal of the European Union |date=17 June 2015|access-date=18 July 2018}}</ref>


==Name==
==Name==
On 24 August 2015, a pregnant Somali woman rescued from a refugee boat by {{HMS|Enterprise|H88|6}} gave birth to a child aboard the {{ship|German frigate|Schleswig-Holstein|F216|2|up=yes}}, the first to ever be born aboard a ship of the German Navy. At the suggestion of the attending medical personnel, the child was named Sophia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/NYvBCsIwEET_KNsIKnqzFMWbeNH2UrbNUhbTpCQbC-LHmxycgXd5M9BBrsM3TyjsHVp4QjvycVjVsBpS-JJE1lJUmGJvaO6JXUT5wKM882L0jqRQyAlnTgHFB7X4ILaYFEI2ig20lW5qva_-0d9Ddztftnqza671HZZ5Pv0AQ5tIcQ!!/ |title=Seenotrettung: Geburt auf deutscher Fregatte |publisher=Presse- und Informationsstab BMVg |date=25 August 2015|access-date=25 August 2015|language=de}}</ref> This was a name associated with German naval ships named ''Schleswig-Holstein'', as the earlier destroyer {{ship|German destroyer|Schleswig-Holstein|D182|2}} had used the [[radio call sign]] "Sophie X". This was itself a reference to the early battleship {{SMS|Schleswig-Holstein}}, which had been dedicated to [[Princess Louise Sophie of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg]], as have later ships of the name.<ref name="Sophia">{{cite web|url=https://www.operationsophia.eu/about-us/|title=About us|work=EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia|access-date=30 April 2018}}</ref> EUNAVFORMED was subsequently renamed "Operation Sophia", after the baby born aboard ''Schleswig-Holstein''.<ref name="Sophia"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://navaltoday.com/2015/11/04/german-frigate-ends-operation-sophia-mission/|title=German Frigate Ends Operation Sophia Mission|work=navaltoday.com|date=4 November 2015 |access-date=30 April 2018}}</ref>

On 24 August 2015, a pregnant Somali woman rescued from a refugee boat by {{HMS|Enterprise|H88|6}} gave birth to a child aboard the German frigate [[German frigate Schleswig-Holstein (F216)|''Schleswig-Holstein'']], the first to ever be born aboard a ship of the German Navy. At the suggestion of the attending medical personnel, the child was named Sophia.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bundeswehr.de/portal/a/bwde/!ut/p/c4/NYvBCsIwEET_KNsIKnqzFMWbeNH2UrbNUhbTpCQbC-LHmxycgXd5M9BBrsM3TyjsHVp4QjvycVjVsBpS-JJE1lJUmGJvaO6JXUT5wKM882L0jqRQyAlnTgHFB7X4ILaYFEI2ig20lW5qva_-0d9Ddztftnqza671HZZ5Pv0AQ5tIcQ!!/ |title=Seenotrettung: Geburt auf deutscher Fregatte |publisher=Presse- und Informationsstab BMVg |date=25 August 2015|accessdate=25 August 2015|language=German}}</ref> This was a name associated with German naval ships named ''Schleswig-Holstein'', as the earlier destroyer [[German destroyer Schleswig-Holstein (D182)|''Schleswig-Holstein'']] had used the [[radio call sign]] "Sophie X". This was itself a reference to the early battleship {{SMS|Schleswig-Holstein}}, which had been dedicated to [[Princess Louise Sophie of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg]], as have later ships of the name.<ref name="Sophia">{{cite web|url=https://www.operationsophia.eu/about-us/|title=About us|author=|work=EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia|date=|accessdate=30 April 2018}}</ref> EUNAVFORMED was subsequently renamed "Operation Sophia", after the baby born aboard ''Schleswig-Holstein''.<ref name="Sophia"/><ref>{{cite web|url=https://navaltoday.com/2015/11/04/german-frigate-ends-operation-sophia-mission/|title=German Frigate Ends Operation Sophia Mission|author=|work=navaltoday.com|date=4 November 2015 |accessdate=30 April 2018}}</ref>
{{Quote
{{Quote
| quote =I will suggest to Member States that we change the name of our Operation: instead of calling it EUNAVFOR MED, I suggest we use the name: Sophia. To honour the lives of the people we are saving, the lives of people we want to protect, and to pass the message to the world that fighting the smugglers and the criminal networks is a way of protecting human life.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eeas.europa.eu/sites/eeas/files/eunavfor_med_leaflet_en_updated_aug_2016.pdf|title=European Union Naval Force Mediterranean EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA |publisher=[[European External Action Service]]|accessdate=1 May 2018}}</ref>| author = [[Federica Mogherini]]| title =Rome, EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia Operational Headquarters| source =24 September 2015}}
| quote =I will suggest to Member States that we change the name of our Operation: instead of calling it EUNAVFOR MED, I suggest we use the name: Sophia. To honour the lives of the people we are saving, the lives of people we want to protect, and to pass the message to the world that fighting the smugglers and the criminal networks is a way of protecting human life.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://eeas.europa.eu/sites/eeas/files/eunavfor_med_leaflet_en_updated_aug_2016.pdf|title=European Union Naval Force Mediterranean EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA |publisher=[[European External Action Service]]|access-date=1 May 2018}}</ref>| author = [[Federica Mogherini]]| title =Rome, EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia Operational Headquarters| source =24 September 2015}}


==Operation==
==Operation==
[[File:Enrico Credendino and Sven Mikser (35968116883).jpg|thumb|right|200px|FM [[Sven Mikser]] meeting with naval Operation Sophia Commander Rear Admiral [[Enrico Credendino]] ]]
[[File:Enrico Credendino and Sven Mikser (35968116883).jpg|thumb|[[Sven Mikser]] with Rear Admiral [[Enrico Credendino]] ]]
The operation aims to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. The [[Juncker Commission]], in particular the [[High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy|HR]] [[Federica Mogherini]], views this operation as a fundamental contribution to fighting instability in the region and as a way to reduce the loss of lives at sea and increase the security of [[citizens of the European Union]].<ref name="europa1">{{cite web|url=http://eeas.europa.eu/csdp/missions-and-operations/eunavfor-med/index_en.htm |title=EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA - European External Action Service |publisher=[[European Union External Action Service]] |date= |accessdate=2017-07-12}}</ref>
The operation aims to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. The [[Juncker Commission]], in particular the [[High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy]], [[Federica Mogherini]], views this operation as a fundamental contribution to fighting instability in the region and as a way to reduce the loss of lives at sea and increase the security of [[citizens of the European Union]].<ref name="europa1">{{cite web|url=http://eeas.europa.eu/csdp/missions-and-operations/eunavfor-med/index_en.htm |title=EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA – European External Action Service |publisher=[[European Union External Action Service]] |access-date=2017-07-12}}</ref>


EUNAVFOR Med consists of three phases:<ref>{{cite web|title=Fact Sheet: EUNAVFOR European Union Naval Force - Mediterranean|url=http://eu-un.europa.eu/articles/en/article_16581_en.htm|publisher=European Union Delegation to the United Nations|date=22 June 2015|accessdate=17 February 2016}}</ref>
Operation Sophia consisted of three phases:<ref>{{cite web|title=Fact Sheet: EUNAVFOR European Union Naval Force – Mediterranean|url=http://eu-un.europa.eu/articles/en/article_16581_en.htm|publisher=European Union Delegation to the United Nations|date=22 June 2015|access-date=17 February 2016}}</ref>
*The first phase focuses on surveillance and assessment of human smuggling and trafficking networks in the Mediterranean.
*The first phase focused on surveillance and assessment of human smuggling and trafficking networks in the Mediterranean.
*The second stage of the operation provides for the search and, if necessary, diversion of suspicious vessels.
*The second stage of the operation provided for the search and, if necessary, diversion of suspicious vessels.
*The third phase would allow the disposal of vessels and related assets, preferably before use, and to apprehend traffickers and smugglers.
*The third phase allowed the disposal of vessels and related assets, preferably before use, and to apprehend traffickers and smugglers.


There is a common budget of EURO 11.82 million for a 12 months period.In addition, military assets and personnel are provided by the contributing states with the running costs and personnel costs being met on a national basis.<ref>{{cite news|last1=TUNAKAN|first1=BEGÜM|title=EU naval force in Mediterranean faces challenges over migrant crisis|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/world/2015/05/19/eu-naval-force-in-mediterranean-faces-challenges-over-migrant-crisis|accessdate=17 February 2016|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=19 May 2015}}</ref>
There was a common budget of 11.82 million euros for a 12 months period. In addition, military assets and personnel were provided by the contributing states with the running costs and personnel costs being met on a national basis.<ref>{{cite news|last1=TUNAKAN|first1=BEGÜM|title=EU naval force in Mediterranean faces challenges over migrant crisis|url=http://www.dailysabah.com/world/2015/05/19/eu-naval-force-in-mediterranean-faces-challenges-over-migrant-crisis|access-date=17 February 2016|publisher=Daily Sabah|date=19 May 2015}}</ref>


By 2016, more than 13,000 migrants had been rescued from the sea in the course of the operation.<ref>"[http://www.dw.com/en/on-the-mediterranean-refugee-patrol-with-the-bundeswehr/a-19209234 On the Mediterranean refugee patrol with the Bundeswehr]". [[Deutsche Welle]]. 22 April 2016.</ref> On 20 June 2016, the [[Council of the European Union]] extended Operation Sophia's mandate reinforcing it by adding two supporting tasks: training of the Libyan coastguards and navy, and contributing to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on the high seas off the coast of Libya.<ref name="europa1"/> The length of the Operation could be continuously renewed by the Council.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/15718107-08503003|title=Operation Sophia in Uncharted Waters: European and International Law Challenges for the EU Naval Mission in the Mediterranean Sea|last1=Butler|first1=Graham|last2=Ratcovich|first2=Martin|date=July 2016|work=[[Nordic Journal of International Law]]|doi=10.1163/15718107-08503003|quote='The trajectory for how long Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean will continue is an open question.'|access-date=31 August 2016}}</ref> On 25 July 2017, the Council of the European Union again extended Operation Sophia's mandate, while also amending its mandate to: setting up a monitoring mechanism of trainees to ensure the long-term efficiency of the training of the Libyan Coastguard, conducting new surveillance activities and gather information on illegal trafficking of oil exports from Libya in accordance with UNSCR 2146 and 2362; and enhancing the possibilities for sharing information on human trafficking with member states' law enforcement agencies, FRONTEX and EUROPOL.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2017/07/25-eunavformed-sophia-mandate-extended/|title=EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia: mandate extended until 31 December 2018|publisher=Council of the European Union|date=July 2017}}</ref>
By 2016, more than 13,000 migrants had been rescued from the sea in the course of the operation.<ref>"[http://www.dw.com/en/on-the-mediterranean-refugee-patrol-with-the-bundeswehr/a-19209234 On the Mediterranean refugee patrol with the Bundeswehr]". [[Deutsche Welle]]. 22 April 2016.</ref>


== Assets ==
On 20 June 2016, the [[Council of the European Union]] extended Operation Sophia's mandate reinforcing it by adding two supporting tasks:<ref name="europa1"/> The length of the Operation may be continuously renewed by the Council.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://booksandjournals.brillonline.com/content/journals/10.1163/15718107-08503003|title=Operation Sophia in Uncharted Waters: European and International Law Challenges for the EU Naval Mission in the Mediterranean Sea|last=Butler|first=Graham|last2=Ratcovich|first2=Martin|date=July 2016|work=[[Nordic Journal of International Law]]|quote='The trajectory for how long Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean will continue is an open question.'|accessdate=31 August 2016}}</ref>
[[File:DN-SC-95-01012.JPEG|right|thumb|216x216px|The Italian Navy's aircraft carrier ''[[Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi|Giuseppe Garibaldi]]'' served as the operation's flagship on several occasions]]
Military contributions from member states to the operation were voluntary at their own expense. However military operations were carried out under the joint command of the EU.


===Ships===
*training of the Libyan coastguards and navy
*{{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Belgium]] {{sclass|Karel Doorman|frigate|1}} [[Belgian frigate Leopold I (F930)|''Leopold I'']]
*contributing to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on the high seas off the coast of Libya.
*{{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Belgium]] {{sclass|Karel Doorman|frigate|1}} [[Belgian frigate Louise-Marie (F931)|''Louise-Marie'']]

*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass|Gowind|corvette|1}} [[French patrol vessel L'Adroit|''L'Adroit'']]
On 25 July 2017, the [[Council of the European Union]] again extended Operation Sophia's mandate, while also amending its mandate to:<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2017/07/25-eunavformed-sophia-mandate-extended/|title=EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia: mandate extended until 31 December 2018|publisher=Council of the European Union|date=July 2017}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass|La Fayette|frigate|1}} [[French frigate Aconit|''Aconit'']]

*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass|La Fayette|frigate|1}} [[French frigate Courbet|''Courbet'']]
* set up a monitoring mechanism of trainees to ensure the long-term efficiency of the training of the Libyan Coastguard
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Commandant Birot (F796)|''Commandant Birot'']]
* conduct new surveillance activities and gather information on illegal trafficking of oil exports from Libya in accordance with UNSCR 2146 and 2362;
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Commandant Blaison (F793)|''Commandant Blaison'']]
* enhance the possibilities for sharing information on human trafficking with member states' law enforcement agencies, FRONTEX and EUROPOL.
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Commandant Bouan (F797)|''Commandant Bouan'']]

*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Commandant Ducuing (F795)|''Commandant Ducuing'']]
==Assets==
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Commandant L'Herminier (F791)|''Commandant L'Herminier'']]
[[File:DN-SC-95-01012.JPEG|right|thumb|216x216px|The Italian Navy's aircraft carrier ''[[Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi|Giuseppe Garibaldi]]'' has served as the operation's flagship on several occasions]]
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Enseigne de vaisseau Jacoubet|''Enseigne de vaisseau Jacoubet'']]

*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Premier-Maître L'Her (F792)|''Premier-Maître L'Her'']]
===Currently deployed===
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] {{sclass-|San Giorgio|amphibious transport dock|1}} [[Italian ship San Marco (L9893)|''San Marco'']] (flagship)
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Lieutenant de vaisseau Le Hénaff|''Lieutenant de vaisseau Le Hénaff'']]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] {{sclass-|Santa María|frigate|1}} [[Spanish frigate Reina Sofía|''Reina Sofía'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass|Bremen|frigate|1}} [[German frigate Augsburg (F213)|''Augsburg'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass-|Bremen|frigate|1}} [[German frigate Augsburg (F213)|''Augsburg'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass|Bremen|frigate|1}} [[German frigate Karlsruhe (F212)|''Karlsruhe'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass|Brandenburg|frigate|1}} [[German frigate Mecklenburg-Vorpommern|''Mecklenburg-Vorpommern'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] [[Bell 212|T AB 212 ASW]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass|Brandenburg|frigate|1}} [[German frigate Schleswig-Holstein|''Schleswig-Holstein'']]
*{{flagicon|Luxembourg}} [[Luxembourg]] Two [[Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner|SW3 Merlin III]] maritime surveillance aircraft
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass|Sachsen|frigate|1}} [[German frigate Sachsen|''Sachsen'']]
*{{flagicon|Poland}} [[Poland]] [[PZL M28 Skytruck|An-28B1R BRYZA]] maritime surveillance aircraft
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass|Braunschweig|corvette|1}} [[German corvette Ludwigshafen am Rhein (F264)|''Ludwigshafen am Rhein'']]<ref>"[http://navaltoday.com/2016/03/17/german-warship-rescues-615-from-the-mediterranean/ German warship rescues 615 from the Mediterranean]". ''Naval Today.'' 17 March 2016.</ref>
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] [[Bell 212|AB-212]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass|Frankenthal|minehunter|1}} [[German minehunter Datteln (M1068)|''Datteln'']]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] [[CASA/IPTN CN-235|CN-235 VIGMA-D4]] maritime surveillance aircraft
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass|Frankenthal|minehunter|1}} [[German minehunter Weilheim (M1059)|''Weilheim'']]

*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass|Elbe|replenishment ship|1}} [[German ship Main (A515)|''Main'']]
===Historical===
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass|Elbe|replenishment ship|1}} [[German ship Mosel (A512)|''Mosel'']]
====Ships====
*{{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Belgium]] {{sclass-|Karel Doorman|frigate|1}} [[Belgian frigate Leopold I (F930)|''Leopold I'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass|Elbe|replenishment ship|1}} [[German ship Rhein (A513)|''Rhein'']]
*{{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Belgium]] {{sclass-|Karel Doorman|frigate|1}} [[Belgian frigate Louise-Marie (F931)|''Louise-Marie'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass|Elbe|replenishment ship|1}} [[German ship Werra (A514)|''Werra'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass|Berlin|replenishment ship|1}} [[German auxiliary Berlin (A1411)|''Berlin'']]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eeas.europa.eu/csdp/missions-and-operations/eunavfor-med/assets/index_en.htm|title=Assets|publisher=[[European Union External Action Service]]|accessdate=26 October 2015}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass-|Gowind|corvette|1}} [[French patrol vessel L'Adroit|''L'Adroit'']]
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass-|La Fayette|frigate|1}} [[French frigate Aconit|''Aconit'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass|Berlin|replenishment ship|1}} [[German auxiliary Frankfurt am Main (A1412)|''Frankfurt am Main'']]
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass-|La Fayette|frigate|1}} [[French frigate Courbet|''Courbet'']]
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass-|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Commandant Birot (F796)|''Commandant Birot'']]
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass-|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Commandant Blaison (F793)|''Commandant Blaison'']]
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass-|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Commandant Bouan (F797)|''Commandant Bouan'']]
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass-|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Commandant Ducuing (F795)|''Commandant Ducuing'']]
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass-|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Commandant L'Herminier (F791)|''Commandant L'Herminier'']]
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass-|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Enseigne de vaisseau Jacoubet (F794)|''Enseigne de vaisseau Jacoubet'']]
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass-|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Premier-Maître L'Her (F792)|''Premier-Maître L'Her'']]
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] {{sclass-|D'Estienne d'Orves|aviso|1}} [[French aviso Lieutenant de vaisseau Le Hénaff (F789)|''Lieutenant de vaisseau Le Hénaff'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass-|Bremen|frigate|1}} [[German frigate Karlsruhe (F212)|''Karlsruhe'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass-|Brandenburg|frigate|1}} [[German frigate Mecklenburg-Vorpommern|''Mecklenburg-Vorpommern'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass-|Brandenburg|frigate|1}} [[German frigate Schleswig-Holstein|''Schleswig-Holstein'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass-|Sachsen|frigate|1}} [[German frigate Sachsen|''Sachsen'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass-|Braunschweig|corvette|1}} [[German corvette Ludwigshafen am Rhein (F264)|''Ludwigshafen am Rhein'']]<ref>"[http://navaltoday.com/2016/03/17/german-warship-rescues-615-from-the-mediterranean/ German warship rescues 615 from the Mediterranean]". ''Naval Today.'' 17 March 2016.</ref>
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass-|Frankenthal|minehunter|1}} [[German minehunter Datteln (M1068)|''Datteln'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass-|Frankenthal|minehunter|1}} [[German minehunter Weilheim (M1059)|''Weilheim'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass-|Elbe|replenishment ship|1}} [[German auxiliary Main (A515)|''Main'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass-|Elbe|replenishment ship|1}} [[German auxiliary Mosel (A512)|''Mosel'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass-|Elbe|replenishment ship|1}} [[German auxiliary Rhein (A513)|''Rhein'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass-|Elbe|replenishment ship|1}} [[German auxiliary Werra (A514)|''Werra'']]
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass-|Berlin|replenishment ship|1}} [[German auxiliary Berlin (A1411)|''Berlin'']]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eeas.europa.eu/csdp/missions-and-operations/eunavfor-med/assets/index_en.htm|title=Assets|publisher=[[European Union External Action Service]]|accessdate=26 October 2015}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Germany}} [[Germany]] {{sclass-|Berlin|replenishment ship|1}} [[German auxiliary Frankfurt am Main (A1412)|''Frankfurt am Main'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] aircraft carrier [[Italian aircraft carrier Cavour|''Cavour'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] aircraft carrier [[Italian aircraft carrier Cavour|''Cavour'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] aircraft carrier [[Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi|''Giuseppe Garibaldi'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] aircraft carrier [[Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi|''Giuseppe Garibaldi'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] {{sclass-|San Giorgio|amphibious transport dock|1}} [[Italian ship San Giorgio|''San Giorgio'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] {{sclass|San Giorgio|amphibious transport dock|1}} [[Italian ship San Giorgio|''San Giorgio'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] {{sclass-|San Giorgio|amphibious transport dock|1}} [[Italian ship San Giusto|''San Giusto'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] {{sclass|San Giorgio|amphibious transport dock|1}} [[Italian ship San Giusto|''San Giusto'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] {{sclass-|Maestrale|frigate|1}} [[Italian frigate Zeffiro (F 577)|''Zeffiro'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] {{sclass|San Giorgio|amphibious transport dock|1}} [[Italian ship San Marco (L9893)|''San Marco'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] {{sclass-|Etna|replenishment oiler|1}} [[Italian ship Etna (A 5326)|''Etna'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] {{sclass|Maestrale|frigate|1}} [[Italian frigate Zeffiro (F 577)|''Zeffiro'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] [[FREMM multipurpose frigate]] [[Italian frigate Luigi Rizzo (F 595)|''Luigi Rizzo'']]
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] {{sclass|Etna|replenishment oiler|1}} [[Italian ship Etna (A 5326)|''Etna'']]
*{{flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Netherlands]] [[landing platform dock]] [[HNLMS Rotterdam (L800)|HNLMS ''Rotterdam'']]
*{{flagicon|Netherlands}} [[Netherlands]] [[landing platform dock]] [[HNLMS Rotterdam (L800)|HNLMS ''Rotterdam'']]
*{{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Republic of Ireland]] {{sclass-|Samuel Beckett|offshore patrol vessel|1}} [[LÉ Samuel Beckett (P61)|LÉ ''Samuel Beckett'']]
*{{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Republic of Ireland]] {{sclass|Samuel Beckett|offshore patrol vessel|1}} [[LÉ Samuel Beckett (P61)|LÉ ''Samuel Beckett'']]
*{{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Republic of Ireland]] {{sclass-|Samuel Beckett|offshore patrol vessel|1}} [[LÉ James Joyce (P62)|LÉ ''James Joyce'']]
*{{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Republic of Ireland]] {{sclass|Samuel Beckett|offshore patrol vessel|1}} [[LÉ James Joyce (P62)|LÉ ''James Joyce'']]
*{{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Republic of Ireland]] {{sclass-|Róisín|patrol vessel|1}} [[LÉ Niamh (P52)|LÉ ''Niamh'']]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/naval-ship-to-join-mission-tackling-people-smugglers-459967.html|title=Naval ship to join mission tackling people smugglers|date=2017-09-29|access-date=2017-09-30}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Ireland}} [[Republic of Ireland]] {{sclass|Róisín|patrol vessel|1}} [[LÉ Niamh (P52)|LÉ ''Niamh'']]<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.irishexaminer.com/ireland/naval-ship-to-join-mission-tackling-people-smugglers-459967.html|title=Naval ship to join mission tackling people smugglers|date=2017-09-29|access-date=2017-09-30}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|Slovenia}} [[Slovenia]] {{sclass-|Svetlyak|patrol boat|1}} [[Slovenian patrol boat Triglav|''Triglav'']]
*{{flagicon|Slovenia}} [[Slovenia]] {{sclass|Svetlyak|patrol boat|1}} [[Slovenian patrol boat Triglav|''Triglav'']]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] {{sclass-|Santa María|frigate|1}} [[Spanish frigate Canarias|''Canarias'']]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] {{sclass|Santa María|frigate|1}} [[Spanish frigate Canarias|''Canarias'']]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] {{sclass-|Santa María|frigate|1}} [[Spanish frigate Navarra|''Navarra'']]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] {{sclass|Santa María|frigate|1}} [[Spanish frigate Navarra|''Navarra'']]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] {{sclass-|Santa María|frigate|1}} [[Spanish frigate Numancia|''Numancia'']]<ref>"[http://news.newsdirectory2.com/rescued-more-than-650-migrants-off-the-libyan-coast/ Rescued more than 650 migrants off the Libyan coast]". ''News Directory.'' 20 March 2016.</ref>
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] {{sclass|Santa María|frigate|1}} [[Spanish frigate Numancia|''Numancia'']]<ref>"[http://news.newsdirectory2.com/rescued-more-than-650-migrants-off-the-libyan-coast/ Rescued more than 650 migrants off the Libyan coast]". ''News Directory.'' 20 March 2016.</ref>
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] {{sclass-|Santa María|frigate|1}} [[Spanish frigate Santa María|''Santa María'']]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] {{sclass|Santa María|frigate|1}} [[Spanish frigate Reina Sofía|''Reina Sofía'']]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] {{sclass-|Santa María|frigate|1}} [[Spanish frigate Victoria|''Victoria'']]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] {{sclass|Santa María|frigate|1}} [[Spanish frigate Santa María|''Santa María'']]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] {{sclass|Santa María|frigate|1}} [[Spanish frigate Victoria|''Victoria'']]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] [[replenishment oiler]] [[Spanish oiler Cantabria|''Cantabria'']]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] [[replenishment oiler]] [[Spanish oiler Cantabria|''Cantabria'']]
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] {{sclass|Meteoro|offshore patrol vessel|1}} [[Spanish patrol vessel Rayo (P-42)|''Rayo'']]
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[Type 45 destroyer]] {{HMS|Diamond|D34|6}}
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[Type 45 destroyer]] {{HMS|Diamond|D34|6}}
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[Type 23 frigate]] {{HMS|Richmond|F239|6}}
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[Type 23 frigate]] {{HMS|Richmond|F239|6}}
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[Echo-class survey ship (2002)|''Echo''-class survey ship]] {{HMS|Echo|H87|6}}
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[Echo-class survey ship (2002)|''Echo''-class survey ship]] {{HMS|Echo|H87|6}}
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[Echo-class survey ship (2002)|''Echo''-class survey ship]] {{HMS|Enterprise|H88|6}}<ref>"[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/11962766/HMS-Richmond-and-HMS-Enterprise-rescue-541-migrants-from-the-Med.html HMS Richmond and HMS Enterprise rescue 541 migrants from the Med]". ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''. 29 October 2015.</ref>
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[Echo-class survey ship (2002)|''Echo''-class survey ship]] {{HMS|Enterprise|H88|6}}<ref>"[https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/11962766/HMS-Richmond-and-HMS-Enterprise-rescue-541-migrants-from-the-Med.html HMS Richmond and HMS Enterprise rescue 541 migrants from the Med]". ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]''. 29 October 2015.</ref>
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[Bay-class landing ship|Bay-Class LSDA]] [[RFA Mounts Bay]]


====Aircraft====
===Aircraft===
*{{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Belgium]] [[Aérospatiale Alouette III|Alouette III SA316B]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|Belgium}} [[Belgium]] [[Aérospatiale Alouette III|Alouette III SA316B]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] [[Breguet Atlantic|Atlantique 2]] maritime patrol aircraft
*{{flagicon|France}} [[France]] [[Breguet Atlantic|Atlantique 2]] maritime patrol aircraft
Line 108: Line 101:
*{{flagicon|Greece}} [[Greece]] [[Embraer R-99|Erieye EMB-145H AEW&C]] command and control aircraft
*{{flagicon|Greece}} [[Greece]] [[Embraer R-99|Erieye EMB-145H AEW&C]] command and control aircraft
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] Two [[AgustaWestland AW101|EH101]] helicopters
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] Two [[AgustaWestland AW101|EH101]] helicopters
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] [[Bell 212|T AB 212 ASW]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] [[NHIndustries NH90|SH90 NFH]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|Italy}} [[Italy]] [[NHIndustries NH90|SH90 NFH]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|Luxembourg}} [[Luxembourg]] Two [[Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner|SW3 Merlin III]] maritime surveillance aircraft
*{{flagicon|Poland}} [[Poland]] [[PZL M28 Skytruck|An-28B1R BRYZA]] maritime surveillance aircraft
*{{flagicon|Portugal}} [[Portugal]] [[Lockheed P-3 Orion|P-3C Orion]] maritime patrol aircraft
*{{flagicon|Portugal}} [[Portugal]] [[Lockheed P-3 Orion|P-3C Orion]] maritime patrol aircraft
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] [[Bell 212| AB 212]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|SH-60B LAMPS III]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] [[Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk|SH-60B LAMPS III]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] [[Lockheed P-3 Orion|P-3M Orion]] maritime patrol aircraft
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] [[Lockheed P-3 Orion|P-3M Orion]] maritime patrol aircraft
*{{flagicon|Spain}} [[Spain]] [[CASA/IPTN CN-235|CN-235 VIGMA-D4]] maritime surveillance aircraft
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[AgustaWestland AW101|AW101 (EH 101) Merlin MK 2]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[AgustaWestland AW101|AW101 (EH 101) Merlin MK 2]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|AW159 Wildcat]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[AgustaWestland AW159 Wildcat|AW159 Wildcat]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[Westland Lynx|Lynx MK 8]] helicopter
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[UK]] [[Westland Lynx|Lynx MK 8]] helicopter


==Criticism==
== Criticism ==
The UK's House of Lords has noted in a report that claims this kind of search-and-rescue operation acts as a ‘magnet to migrants and eases the task of smugglers, who would only need their vessels to reach the high seas’ had some validity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201516/ldselect/ldeucom/144/14403.htm|title=House of Lords – Operation Sophia, the EU's naval mission in the Mediterranean: an impossible challenge – European Union Committee|website=publications.parliament.uk}}</ref>


Also the Libyan coastguard has warned that the EU's "Operation Sophia" boosts migrant smuggling, explaining that "People, when they get rescued, call their friends to tell them that there are EU vessels only 20 miles from Libyan waters to save them."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://euobserver.com/tickers/133849 |title=EU boosts migrant smuggling, says Libyan coastguard |work=[[EUobserver]] |date=12 July 2017|access-date=2017-07-12}}</ref>
The UK's House of Lords has noted in a report that claims this kind of search-and-rescue operation acts as a ‘magnet to migrants and eases the task of smugglers, who would only need their vessels to reach the high seas’ had some validity.<ref>{{cite web|last=Stevens |first=John |url=http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3613593/How-Navy-patrols-Mediterranean-migrant-magnet-refugees-know-safe-passage-Europe.html |title=How Navy patrols in the Mediterranean became a 'migrant magnet' &#124; Daily Mail Online |work=[[Daily Mail]] |date= |accessdate=2017-07-12}}</ref>


In July 2017, a House of Lords report claimed that the mission had been a failure, as it had managed neither to reduce deaths at sea or disrupt the smuggling network.<ref>{{cite news|author=Peter Foster |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/11/eu-anti-migrant-naval-mission-med-failure-lords-report-finds/ |title=EU anti-migrant naval mission in Med is a 'failure', Lords report finds |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |date=12 July 2017 |access-date=2017-07-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.uk/operation-sophia-follow-up |title=Operation Sophia follow-up – UK Parliament |publisher=Parliament of the United Kingdom |date=2017-07-04 |access-date=2017-07-12}}</ref>
Also the Libyan coastguard has warned that the EU's "Operation Sophia" boosts migrant smuggling, explaining that "People, when they get rescued, call their friends to tell them that there are EU vessels only 20 miles from Libyan waters to save them."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://euobserver.com/tickers/133849 |title=EU boosts migrant smuggling, says Libyan coastguard |work=[[EUobserver]] |date=12 July 2017|accessdate=2017-07-12}}</ref>


==Completion==
In July 2017, a House of Lords report claimed that the mission had been a failure, as it had managed neither to reduce deaths at sea or disrupt the smuggling network.<ref>{{cite web|author=Peter Foster |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/07/11/eu-anti-migrant-naval-mission-med-failure-lords-report-finds/ |title=EU anti-migrant naval mission in Med is a 'failure', Lords report finds |work=[[The Daily Telegraph|The Telegraph]] |date= |accessdate=2017-07-12}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.parliament.uk/operation-sophia-follow-up |title=Operation Sophia follow-up - UK Parliament |publisher=Parliament of the United Kingdom |date=2017-07-04 |accessdate=2017-07-12}}</ref>
In January 2019, the mission was reduced.<ref name="auto">{{Cite news|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2020/02/18/immigration-l-union-europeenne-sacrifie-la-mission-de-surveillance-au-large-de-la-libye_6029969_3210.html|title=Immigration : l'Union européenne sacrifie la mission de surveillance au large de la Libye|newspaper=Le Monde.fr|date=February 18, 2020|via=Le Monde}}</ref> In February 2020 a new mission was planned to replace the previous one.<ref name="auto"/> On 31 March 2020 the new operation '''[[Operation Irini|EUNAVFOR MED Operation Irini]]''' was launched. In parallel, Operation Sophia permanently ceased its activities.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2020/03/31/eu-launches-operation-irini-to-enforce-libya-arms-embargo/|title=EU launches Operation IRINI to enforce Libya arms embargo|website=www.consilium.europa.eu}}</ref>


==See also==
==See also==
*[[Environmental migrant]]
*[[Operation Mare Nostrum]]
*[[Operation Mare Nostrum]]
*[[Operation Triton]]
*[[Operation Triton]]
Line 132: Line 133:
==References==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==Further reading==
* {{cite journal |author=Graham Butler |author2=Martin Ratcovich |title=Operation Sophia in Uncharted Waters: European and International Law Challenges for the EU Naval Mission in the Mediterranean Sea |year=2016 |volume=85 |issue=3 |journal=Nordic Journal of International Law |pages=235–259 |doi=10.1163/15718107-08503003}}


==External links==
==External links==
*[https://eeas.europa.eu/csdp-missions-operations/eunavfor-med_en EUNAVFOR MED]
*[https://eeas.europa.eu/csdp-missions-operations/eunavfor-med_en EUNAVFOR MED]
*[http://nytimes.com/2015/05/19/world/europe/european-union-human-trafficking-military.html?referrer= EU agrees on Naval intervention]
*[https://nytimes.com/2015/05/19/world/europe/european-union-human-trafficking-military.html?referrer= EU agrees on Naval intervention]
*[http://www.eeas.europa.eu/csdp/missions-and-operations/eunavfor-med/pdf/factsheet_eunavfor_med.pdf Factsheet EU navfor med]
*[http://www.eeas.europa.eu/csdp/missions-and-operations/eunavfor-med/pdf/factsheet_eunavfor_med.pdf Factsheet EU navfor med]


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{{European migrant crisis}}
{{European migrant crisis}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Sophia, Operation}}
[[Category:Naval operations of the European Union|Sophia]]
[[Category:Naval operations of the European Union|Sophia]]
[[Category:2015 in Italy]]
[[Category:2015 in Italy]]

Latest revision as of 09:27, 9 September 2024

European Union Naval Force Mediterranean
Also known asEUNAVOR MED, Operation Sophia
Political leader European Union
Operation Commander Rear admiral
Fabio Agostini
Deputy Operation Commander Rear admiral
Jean-Michel Martinet
Force Commander Rear Admiral
Ettore Socci
Dates of operationJune 22, 2015 – March 31, 2020
Country European Union
MotivesCombat illegal migrant smugglers and traffickers
ColoursBlue, white, and yellow
WebsiteOperation Sophia
Succeeded by
Operation Irini

Operation Sophia, formally European Union Naval Force Mediterranean (EU NAVFOR Med), was a military operation of the European Union that was established as a consequence of the April 2015 Libya migrant shipwrecks with the aim of neutralising established refugee smuggling routes in the Mediterranean. The operational headquarters was located in Rome. The EU mandate for the operation ended on March 31, 2020. Operation Irini is the successor operation.

Establishment

[edit]

A European Maritime Force operation to combat people smuggling and prevent loss of life in the Mediterranean stemmed from discussions in the European Council on 20 and 23 April 2015, culminating in the issuing of a Council decision on 18 May 2015 to establish a "European Union military operation in the Southern Central Mediterranean". Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino of the Italian Navy was appointed as operation commander.[1] The Political and Security Committee appointed Italian Rear-Admiral Andrea Gueglio as force commander on 17 June 2015, and on 22 June 2015 the European Council approved the launching of EUNAVFOR Med, to take effect that day.[2][3]

Name

[edit]

On 24 August 2015, a pregnant Somali woman rescued from a refugee boat by HMS Enterprise gave birth to a child aboard the Schleswig-Holstein, the first to ever be born aboard a ship of the German Navy. At the suggestion of the attending medical personnel, the child was named Sophia.[4] This was a name associated with German naval ships named Schleswig-Holstein, as the earlier destroyer Schleswig-Holstein had used the radio call sign "Sophie X". This was itself a reference to the early battleship SMS Schleswig-Holstein, which had been dedicated to Princess Louise Sophie of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg, as have later ships of the name.[5] EUNAVFORMED was subsequently renamed "Operation Sophia", after the baby born aboard Schleswig-Holstein.[5][6]

I will suggest to Member States that we change the name of our Operation: instead of calling it EUNAVFOR MED, I suggest we use the name: Sophia. To honour the lives of the people we are saving, the lives of people we want to protect, and to pass the message to the world that fighting the smugglers and the criminal networks is a way of protecting human life.[7]

— Federica Mogherini, Rome, EUNAVFOR MED operation Sophia Operational Headquarters, 24 September 2015

Operation

[edit]
Sven Mikser with Rear Admiral Enrico Credendino

The operation aims to undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels as well as enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers. The Juncker Commission, in particular the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Federica Mogherini, views this operation as a fundamental contribution to fighting instability in the region and as a way to reduce the loss of lives at sea and increase the security of citizens of the European Union.[8]

Operation Sophia consisted of three phases:[9]

  • The first phase focused on surveillance and assessment of human smuggling and trafficking networks in the Mediterranean.
  • The second stage of the operation provided for the search and, if necessary, diversion of suspicious vessels.
  • The third phase allowed the disposal of vessels and related assets, preferably before use, and to apprehend traffickers and smugglers.

There was a common budget of 11.82 million euros for a 12 months period. In addition, military assets and personnel were provided by the contributing states with the running costs and personnel costs being met on a national basis.[10]

By 2016, more than 13,000 migrants had been rescued from the sea in the course of the operation.[11] On 20 June 2016, the Council of the European Union extended Operation Sophia's mandate reinforcing it by adding two supporting tasks: training of the Libyan coastguards and navy, and contributing to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on the high seas off the coast of Libya.[8] The length of the Operation could be continuously renewed by the Council.[12] On 25 July 2017, the Council of the European Union again extended Operation Sophia's mandate, while also amending its mandate to: setting up a monitoring mechanism of trainees to ensure the long-term efficiency of the training of the Libyan Coastguard, conducting new surveillance activities and gather information on illegal trafficking of oil exports from Libya in accordance with UNSCR 2146 and 2362; and enhancing the possibilities for sharing information on human trafficking with member states' law enforcement agencies, FRONTEX and EUROPOL.[13]

Assets

[edit]
The Italian Navy's aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi served as the operation's flagship on several occasions

Military contributions from member states to the operation were voluntary at their own expense. However military operations were carried out under the joint command of the EU.

Ships

[edit]

Aircraft

[edit]

Criticism

[edit]

The UK's House of Lords has noted in a report that claims this kind of search-and-rescue operation acts as a ‘magnet to migrants and eases the task of smugglers, who would only need their vessels to reach the high seas’ had some validity.[19]

Also the Libyan coastguard has warned that the EU's "Operation Sophia" boosts migrant smuggling, explaining that "People, when they get rescued, call their friends to tell them that there are EU vessels only 20 miles from Libyan waters to save them."[20]

In July 2017, a House of Lords report claimed that the mission had been a failure, as it had managed neither to reduce deaths at sea or disrupt the smuggling network.[21][22]

Completion

[edit]

In January 2019, the mission was reduced.[23] In February 2020 a new mission was planned to replace the previous one.[23] On 31 March 2020 the new operation EUNAVFOR MED Operation Irini was launched. In parallel, Operation Sophia permanently ceased its activities.[24]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/778 of 18 May 2015" (PDF). Official Journal of the European Union. 18 May 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  2. ^ "COUNCIL DECISION (CFSP) 2015/972 of 22 June 2015" (PDF). Official Journal of the European Union. 12 June 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  3. ^ "POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE DECISION (CFSP) 2015/958 of 17 June 2015" (PDF). Official Journal of the European Union. 17 June 2015. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  4. ^ "Seenotrettung: Geburt auf deutscher Fregatte" (in German). Presse- und Informationsstab BMVg. 25 August 2015. Retrieved 25 August 2015.
  5. ^ a b "About us". EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  6. ^ "German Frigate Ends Operation Sophia Mission". navaltoday.com. 4 November 2015. Retrieved 30 April 2018.
  7. ^ "European Union Naval Force Mediterranean EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA" (PDF). European External Action Service. Retrieved 1 May 2018.
  8. ^ a b "EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA – European External Action Service". European Union External Action Service. Retrieved 2017-07-12.
  9. ^ "Fact Sheet: EUNAVFOR European Union Naval Force – Mediterranean". European Union Delegation to the United Nations. 22 June 2015. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
  10. ^ TUNAKAN, BEGÜM (19 May 2015). "EU naval force in Mediterranean faces challenges over migrant crisis". Daily Sabah. Retrieved 17 February 2016.
  11. ^ "On the Mediterranean refugee patrol with the Bundeswehr". Deutsche Welle. 22 April 2016.
  12. ^ Butler, Graham; Ratcovich, Martin (July 2016). "Operation Sophia in Uncharted Waters: European and International Law Challenges for the EU Naval Mission in the Mediterranean Sea". Nordic Journal of International Law. doi:10.1163/15718107-08503003. Retrieved 31 August 2016. 'The trajectory for how long Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean will continue is an open question.'
  13. ^ "EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia: mandate extended until 31 December 2018". Council of the European Union. July 2017.
  14. ^ "German warship rescues 615 from the Mediterranean". Naval Today. 17 March 2016.
  15. ^ "Assets". European Union External Action Service. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  16. ^ "Naval ship to join mission tackling people smugglers". 2017-09-29. Retrieved 2017-09-30.
  17. ^ "Rescued more than 650 migrants off the Libyan coast". News Directory. 20 March 2016.
  18. ^ "HMS Richmond and HMS Enterprise rescue 541 migrants from the Med". The Daily Telegraph. 29 October 2015.
  19. ^ "House of Lords – Operation Sophia, the EU's naval mission in the Mediterranean: an impossible challenge – European Union Committee". publications.parliament.uk.
  20. ^ "EU boosts migrant smuggling, says Libyan coastguard". EUobserver. 12 July 2017. Retrieved 2017-07-12.
  21. ^ Peter Foster (12 July 2017). "EU anti-migrant naval mission in Med is a 'failure', Lords report finds". The Telegraph. Retrieved 2017-07-12.
  22. ^ "Operation Sophia follow-up – UK Parliament". Parliament of the United Kingdom. 2017-07-04. Retrieved 2017-07-12.
  23. ^ a b "Immigration : l'Union européenne sacrifie la mission de surveillance au large de la Libye". Le Monde.fr. February 18, 2020 – via Le Monde.
  24. ^ "EU launches Operation IRINI to enforce Libya arms embargo". www.consilium.europa.eu.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Graham Butler; Martin Ratcovich (2016). "Operation Sophia in Uncharted Waters: European and International Law Challenges for the EU Naval Mission in the Mediterranean Sea". Nordic Journal of International Law. 85 (3): 235–259. doi:10.1163/15718107-08503003.
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