EUMC Chair General Seán Clancy attends naval operation Change of Command on Italian visit

EUMC Chair General Seán Clancy attends naval operation Change of Command on Italian visit

Chairman of the EU Military Committee (CEUMC), General Seán Clancy led a small EUMC delegation to Italy on 11-12 September 2025. The goal was to engage with senior Italian defence authorities and to attend the Change of Command ceremony for EUNAVFOR MED - Operation IRINI.

Exchanges with Italian leadership

During his visit, General Clancy held senior-level discussions with Italy's Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto, covering strategic defence priorities within the EU framework. Interoperability and the role of national contributions in strengthening Europe's defence capabilities and strategic autonomy were on the agenda.

Both sides underlined the complementarity of EU initiatives with NATO and the importance of coordinated responses to hybrid threats. They also discussed crisis areas such as Ukraine and the Middle East.

General Clancy also met with General Luciano Portolano, Chief of the Defence Staff, at the Joint Operations Command (COVI) in Rome. The discussions focused on aligning Italy's defence planning with EU operational priorities and improving coordinated planning and resource allocation for Mediterranean and African operations.

Operation IRINI Change of Command

On 12 September 2025, the Change of Command ceremony for Operation IRINI took place in Rome's Centocelle Air Base, where Rear Admiral Marco Casapieri assumed command from Rear Admiral Valentino Rinaldi. The ceremony was attended by senior military and civilian representatives, including General Seán Clancy.

Launched in March 2020 under the EU's Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP), Operation IRINI's core task is the implementation of the UN arms embargo on Libya. The operation also contributes to maritime situational awareness, supports the disruption of illicit activities (including arms and oil trafficking). Operation IRINI also contributes to disrupting human smuggling and trafficking networks through surveillance, information gathering and cooperation with partners and relevant authorities. The Council has extended IRINI's mandate into the medium term.

Regional stability

In his farewell remarks, Rear Admiral Rinaldi reflected on the operation's achievements and the importance of maintaining operational effectiveness and maritime security in the central Mediterranean. Rear Admiral Casapieri, on taking command, stressed continuity with the operation's EU mandate and the need to sustain support for regional stability and respect for international law.

Outcomes and way ahead

General Seán Clancy thanked Italy for its continued commitment to EU defence cooperation and reiterated the EUMC's role in turning collective political decisions into coherent, professional military advice and direction.

The bilateral meetings and the Change of Command ceremony reinforced cooperation between the EUMC and Italy on operational readiness, capability development and the coherent implementation of CSDP tasks. The insights gathered during the visit will contribute to EUMC work and help shape military advice to the Political and Security Committee (PSC) and other EU decision-makers.