1. EUNAVFOR MED OPERATION SOPHIA
Today, I would like to give you an overview of the operation, what we are doing now, the progress we have made, and then touch on the next steps in the operation.
COSAC, 30th Nov.
Rear Admiral HERVE BLEJEAN 1

2. Overview and current situation (Phase 2A) Phase 2B Phase 3 Conclusions
AGENDA
Background
Mission
Overview and current situation (Phase 2A)
Phase 2B
Phase 3
Conclusions
I intend to talk for about 20 minutes and give you some clues about the following :
- the genesis of EUNAVFORMED OPERATION SOPHIA,
- an overview of our Mission and its Phases, including the area of Operations,
- some of the results we have already achieved,
- the outreach activity and a little about the plan for the future 2

3. BACKGROUND 18 April - 700 migrants died off the Libyan coast.
Europe decided to re-evaluate its approach towards the migration problem.
20 April - extraordinary EU Joint Foreign and Home Affairs Council summit.
Some background first. On the night of 18 April a small boat, thought to be only 20 metres long, capsized in Libyan waters, 60 nautical miles southeast of Lampedusa. It was thought to be carrying up to 700 migrants making the dangerous journey from Libya to Italy.
Despite the valiant rescue efforts, only 28 survivors were found.
According to the UNHCR, it is thought to be the single largest loss of life during a migrant crossing to Europe.
This huge tragedy galvanised the actions of the European Union who, at an extraordinary EU Joint Foreign and Home Affairs Council on 20 April, agreed a ten point action plan
SLIDE on irregular migration, which can be seen here.
Council Decision to establish the Operation
Council Decision to launch the Operation
Council Decision to move Phase 2 (high seas)
UNSCR 2240
(Phase 2 high sea)
Full Operational Capability
Crisis Management Concept
30 April
18 May
22 June
27 July
14 Sept.
9 Oct. 3 3

4. THE TEN POINT ACTION PLAN
1. Reinforce the Joint Operations in the Mediterranean, namely Triton and Poseidon;
2. A systematic effort to capture and destroy vessels used by the smugglers;
3. EUROPOL, FRONTEX, EASO and EUROJUST will work closely to gather information on smugglers modus operandi, to trace their funds and assist in their investigation;
4. EASO to deploy teams in Italy and Greece for joint processing of asylum applications;
5. Member States to ensure fingerprinting of all migrants;
6. Consider options for an emergency relcoation mechanism;
7. An EU wide voluntary pilot project on resettlement;
8. Establish a new return programme for rapid return of irregular migrants;
9. Engagement with countries surrounding Libya;
10. Deploy Immigration Liasion Officers (ILO) in key third countries, to gether intelligence on migratory flows and strengthen the role of the EU Delegations
Our mission is the 2nd bullet point on 2 the slide. To fully tackle the migration crisis, all points need to be addressed and many of the organisations here represented are part of this initiative.
As the High representative Frederica Mogherini stated at the time of the formation of this plan,
We need to see that same collective European sense of urgency we have consistently shown in reacting in times of crisis. The dire situation in the Mediterranean is not a new nor a passing reality. The Ten actions we have agreed upon today are the direct, substantial measures we will take to make an immediate difference. 4 4

5. EUNAVFOR MED MISSION
Undertake systematic efforts to identify, capture and dispose of vessels and enabling assets used or suspected of being used by migrant smugglers or traffickers,
in order to contribute to wider EU efforts to disrupt the business model of human smuggling and trafficking networks in the Southern Central Mediterranean
So here is our Mission Statement which I shall let you read for a moment.
In short, we seek to reduce the suffering and exploitation of migrants by tackling the criminal smuggler and trafficker networks.
This brings me to my first point, which is that you will notice that there is no reference to SOLAS or Rescue in our mission statement. 5 5

6. SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR)
SEARCH AND RESCUE IS NOT PART OF THE MISSION
HOWEVER
WE HAVE A LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY UNDER
INTERNATIONAL LAW AND A MORAL RESPONSIBILITY
TO DO SO
So, although Op SOPHIA is not a Search and Rescue mission, all our assets are bound by International Law to respond to Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) situations.
We have and will continue to respond to these events under the coordination of the relevant Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre.
Indeed, from the start of the mission until the 26th November, we have rescued over 5700 migrants.
TO 26 NOVEMBER, EUNAVFOR MED HAS SAVED OVER
5723 LIVES 6

7. ORGANISATION CHART HR/VP(MOGHERINI) EEAS PSC EUMC OP CDR – OHQ ROME
FOREIGN AFFAIRS COUNCIL
EEAS
EUMS
PSC
EUMC
CMPD
165 Personnel
(20 Nations)
OP CDR – OHQ ROME
FCDR – FHQ
ON BOARD
ITS CAVOUR
65 Personnel
(12 Nations)
SURFACE
AIR
LOGISTIC BASES
ITS CAVOUR
ESP P3B
FLB - AUGUSTA
FGS BERLIN
LUX MPRA
FLS - PANTELLERIA
FGS AUSBURG
the Operation Commander’s primary point of contact in Brussels is the Chairman of the Military Committee and he refers to the Political and Security Committee, where political control of the operation is exercised by the Member States, and through whom we get direction from the EU Council and the EU High Representative / Vice President Mogherini.
The operational Headquarters is based in Rome and has 165 military and civilian staff, from 20 countries
The Force Commander is deployed on board the Italian flagship, ITS GARIBALDI, to exercise tactical command of the assets we have at our disposal. The Force HQ is currently made up of 63 personnel from 12 countries.
FR MPRA
FOB - SIGONELLA
HMS ENTERPRISE
SPS CANARIAS
PV TRIGLAV
EUNAVFOR MED:
1600 Personnel
22 Nations 7

8. ASSETS FOR PHASE 2A (HIGH SEAS) FGS S. HOLSTEIN / AUGSBURG
Type
Nationality
ITS CAVOUR
Aircraft Carrier
FGS S. HOLSTEIN / AUGSBURG
Frigate
HMS RICHMOND
BNS LEOPOLD
ESPS CANARIAS
FS COURBET
HMS ENTERPRISE
Surv. Ship
SNS TRIGLAV
Patrol Vessel
FGS BERLIN
Supply Ship
LUX MERLIN III
MPRA
ESP P3 ORION
HS TBD
AEW
FALCON 50M
In terms of the contributions by member States, I thought it worth showing you a pastiche of the Assets that were made available to the Force Commander, Admiral Andrea Gueglio, for the initial Phase 2 High Seas Surge.
And you will see that is a force worthy of note. Led by the flagship CAVOUR, recently replaced by GARIBALDI, the Force Commander had at his disposal 5 frigates, many with organic rotary wing aircraft, a survey vessel, a supply ship and a Patrol vessel, along with fixed wing and rotary wing surveillance assets. As you will agree, it is a very multi-national EU force. 8

9. THE LUXEMBOURG CONTRIBUTION
ME3 MPA
Date of INCHOP 17 JUL 2015;
131 days in Operation “SOPHIA”;
57 ISR missions;
22 migrant boats detected;
LUX MPA detachment: 6 Crew deployed in Sigonella.
As being hosted by Luxembourg Parliament, I would like to make a focus on the maritime patrol aircraft provided by Luxembourg to point out how valuable and efficient is this asset.
Very useful contribution to the main objective of the mission since the beginning of the participation.

10. JOA AND AOO
JOA
AOO
1300 KM
So where are we operating? I think most are aware, but this slide displays the Joint Area of operations, or the Joint Operation Area, and our main Area of Operations, shown in blue.
2400 KM 10

11. OPERATION GENERAL OVERVIEW UNSCR and Libyan active cooperation
PHASE 1: DEPLOY AND ASSESS
Enhancing understanding of s/t business model
PHASE 2: SECURE
ALPHA in IW
UNSCR 2240 (2015)
BRAVO in IW + TTW
Additional UNSCR and Libyan consent
Stopping, Boarding and Searching the vessels, its cargo and persons on board to collect info/evidence
If evidence indicates that suspicion of smuggling activity is found:
seize the vessel and temporarily apprehend persons on board
divert the vessel and/or conduct persons on board to a designated port
Denying freedom of movements to the smugglers, deterring and disrupting the criminal business model.
The operation is divided into 4 phases.
In phase 1 we are gathering intelligence, we assess the collected data and deploy our force elements in order to achieve a clear picture and a clear understanding of the s/t business model.
phase 2 has been divided in two different sub-phases - phase 2 Alpha International waters and in Phase 2 Bravo Territorial waters.
During phase 2-Alpha, our units may stop, board and search suspected vessels, its cargo and persons in order to collect info and evidence as well as intercept identified s/t. These operations will be conducted outside Libyan waters of jurisdiction.
If evidence confirms suspicion of smuggling and/or trafficking activity, we could either seize the vessel and apprehend persons on board or divert the vessel to a designated port.
In case of a rescue activity during SOLAS cases, all migrants are safely transhipped to EUNAVFOR MED units, the migrants’ boat are searched and all possible evidence on board collected. Once in the assigned place of safety, evidence collected is transferred to local authorities.
In phase 2-Bravo, the Maritime Security Operations will also take place in Libyan territorial waters.
Throughout phase 3 the aim is to disrupt smugglers’ and traffickers’ vessels and enabling assets at sea and ashore thus contributing to the international efforts to discourage migrants smuggling networks from engaging in further criminal activity.
During phase 4 (redeploy), the force elements will be transferred back to the respective national chain of command.
PHASE 3: DISRUPT
Neutralise migrant smugglers/traffickers vessels and other enabling assets through limited and temporary special and amphibious operations. At the end of Phase 3, s/t will be reduced to a level manageable by individual Coastal States.
UNSCR and Libyan active cooperation
PHASE 4: END OF MISSION 11 11

12. GUIDING PRINCIPLES EUNAVFOR MED is : Not a blockade of North Africa.
Not an operation against Libya.
No civilian casualties.
No third party damage.
Phase 2A : UNSCR 2240
Phase 2B
invitation by the Libyan Authorities
UNSCR.
Phase 3
active cooperation with the Libyan Authorities
Throughout the operation we are working to a number of guiding principles.
 As I mentioned earlier, we are part of the comprehensive approach, and to solve the migration problem, all points need to be addressed.
 It is also important to stress what this mission is not.
 It is not a blockade of North Africa, nor an operation against Libya. All our activities are conducted in accordance with international law and under the authority of UNSCR 2240 (2015).
 We are ever mindful of the need to fully respect the human rights principles and gender issues in our dealings with persons rescued or apprehended. Additionally the “non refoulement” principle always applies, and that means that no rescued persons can be disembarked in a third country.
 Throughout all our activities we will take all measures to avoid causing third party damage or civilian casualties.
 We will conduct phase 2B of the operation only after we have been invited to do this by the Libyan authorities and with an appropriate UNSCR.
Likewise for phase 3, we will only conduct these activities in close and active cooperation with the Libyan authorities and with the appropriate UNSCR.
EUNAVFOR MED is not a combat mission but a law enforcement operation involving military assets within a strong and forced legal framework.
EUNAVFOR MED is not a combat mission but a law enforcement operation involving military assets within a strong and strict legal framework.

13. MIGRATION FLOW
+ 1451% (2014)
Eastern/Balkan %
Route †559 = 0.1%
- 8% (2014)
- 16% (2014)
Turning now to the current situation concerning the migration flows.
This slide is an overview of the over migrants that arrived in Europe to the 25th November.
 Irregular migration is continuing at a significant rate, although starting from September, for the first time in the last 3 years, we have seen a 9% reduction in the number of migrants entering Italy through the central Mediterranean route.
 The Eastern/Balkan Route, on the right, which is mainly a land route, has seen a fourteen fold increase from last year. In May 2015, the migrant flow was equally distributed (50% - 50%) between the central and the eastern route.
The Central Route, in the middle of the picture, is the riskiest, where already more than 2800 have died to date. Looking at the nationalities you may notice There are no Libyans among migrants as this country, is among the restricted club of the five African countries with a high economical rate of human development.
Central %
Route †2 870 = 2.0%
Western <1% Route †82 = 2.5%
Source migrants: FRONTEX (17 NOV)
Source deaths: IOM Missing Migrants (18 NOV)

14. CENTRAL ROUTE DENSITY 9% 91%
EGYPTIAN FLOW
Tripoli
Misrata
Lampedusa
Zuwarah
Sabratah
Qarabulli
AOO
Very low
Low
Medium
High
Very high 9%
91%
From what we have observed from our activities, the rescue events are concentrated to the waters west and east of Tripoli, respectively. These are part of the smuggling triangle towards Lampedusa.
There is also an area top right, for Egyptian smuggling.
In the past twelve weeks, the total arrivals from Egypt have doubled to more than    14 14

15. CENTRAL ROUTE DENSITY
Tripoli
Misrata
Lampedusa
Zuwarah
Sabratah
Qarabulli
During the operation we observed that wooden boats are mainly used west of Tripoli, instead rubber boats are more common east of it.
 Wooden boats are more valuable than rubber ones, because they:
can carry more people (so more profit for the smugglers);
are more resilient to bad weather;
can be reused if recovered. 15 15

16. HUMAN SMUGGLERS
This slide shows examples of suspected smugglers observed at sea.
The top pictures are taken from an aircraft, using electronic sensors to detect suspicious activity. The position is then studied from a distance with electro- optical or infra-red cameras to investigate the smuggler escorts.
The lower left picture is taken from a helicopter. The helicopter can both be used to observe and to support apprehension of suspected smugglers at sea.
Finally, the picture on the lower right is taken from a submarine. These can monitor a situation undetectably, for a long time.

17. SMUGGLER ACTIVITES
Attempt to recover sinking fishing vessel
Successful recovery of a wooden boat
In the picture on the left, so called jackals are attempting to salvage a sinking fishing vessel.
In the picture on the right, the jackals have succeeded in recovering an abandoned wooden boat and are returning to shore.
This latter is the type of wooden boat onto which smugglers cram 400 or even up to 600 migrants.
It is boats like these that generally carry migrants with more money that are also valuable enough to cause a need for escorting and retrieval by jackals.
Another recovery attempt
Recovered boat undergoing repairs in Libya 17

18. OUTREACH ACTIVITIES NGOs International Organisations EU Organsiations
UN SG Chef de Cabinet
UN DPKO
UN DPA
UN OMA
UNODC
UN HCR
UNICEF
OHCHR
UNSMIL
Arab League
African Union
IOM
NGOs
Médecin Sans Frontieres
Save the Children
MOAS
ICRC
EU Organsiations
FRONTEX
EUROPOL
EUROJUST
EASO
EUNAVFOR ATALANTA
EUTM Somalia
EUTM Mali
EULPC Tunisia
EUBAM Libya
Other Organisations
NATO (Marcom Northwood)
Third Countries
Algeria
Minister of Foreign Affairs
Commander of the Algerian Naval Forces
Tunisia
Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs
Director of International Relations (MOI)
Commander of the Coast Guard
Director of Operations, Tunisian Navy
Egypt
Minister of Interior
Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces
Turkey
Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Ministry of Defence
USA
Department of State
Department of Defence
US Coast Guard
AFRICOM/EUCOM
Libya
GNA Senior Minister
Navy / Coast Guard
Changing tack slightly, let us look at Outreach. One of the key roles of the Op Cdr or his deputy is to engage with all those individuals and organisations involved in countering illegal migration.
Since the start of the operation, we have met with very senior representatives from 6 different countries, 8 different EU organisations, 13 different international organisations, including the United Nations, the IOM and ICRC, and both the African Union and Arab League.
This is seen as essential work in ensuring understanding of our mission and of course, in reciprocation, to understand the activities of actors within the Region.
The first time we met these interlocutors many of them were quite suspicious because of the international community’s actions in Libya in the goal of the meetings was to reassure them by providing a clear and comprehensive explanation of the scope of the mission and its mandate, clearly showing that it did not allow for any “war on Libya” or “permanent boots on the ground”.
During the second round of meetings with them, we have detected a much more positive and open approach towards the mission. 18

19. SHared Awareness and DEconfliction in Mediterranean – SHADE MED
First meeting held in Rome on 26th November 2015
Share best practice and informally discuss and de-conflict activities
80 representatives from 36 different organisations/countries: 39 civilians and 41 militaries all working in the Mediterranean basin
Building on the extensive network of contacts that we developed we have established the SHADE MED - “Shared Awareness and De-confliction” in the Mediterranean area, and we had the first meeting on the 26th of November in Rome.
The SHADE Med is an initiative similar to the SHADE which has been running for some years in the Indian Ocean, and is a forum where representatives from interested nations and organisations involved in Maritime Security Operations in the Mediterranean can meet on a voluntary basis to co-ordinate and de-conflict their activities.
The seminar was attended by 80 representatives coming from 36 different organizations, ranging from Governments and Armed Forces of the coastal states of the Mediterranean, International Institutions such as the United Nations and the European Union and Non-Governmental entities all involved in responding to the challenges of irregular migration across the Mediterranean Sea, whether by rescuing people in distress or taking action to disrupt the smugglers’ business model to prevent further loss of life at sea.
The next meeting will take place in the spring under the rotational chairmanship of the Italian Navy.
Share some initial views and agree the terms of reference for future similar initiatives 19

20. KEY OUTCOMES
Key Regional States and Organisations want to be regularly informed of progress and in advance of key decision points
We must address the root causes of the problem, not just prevent migrants from crossing the Mediteranean illegally
Libyan invitation to obtain a UN Security Council Resolution for phase 2B and in addition Libyan active cooperation for phase 3
Engage the Libyan authorities (first meeting scheduled on 24 Nov in Tunis)
Train and develop the Libyan Navy and Coastguard
Encourage people to undertake legal activities by providing them with alternative livelihoods
No collateral damage
No permanent presence on the ground (ATALANTA model)
I let you read the key outcomes of those outreach activities. As you see, most of their concernes are matching very well either the comprehensive approach strategy developped by the EU or the principles which are guiding our actions. 20

21. PHASE 2B (TERRITORIAL WATERS)
Stopping, Boarding and Searching the vessels, its cargo and persons on board to collect information and evidence. If evidence of suspicion of smuggling activity is found: seize the vessel and temporarily apprehend persons on board, divert the vessel and/or conduct persons on board to a designated port. Denying the smugglers’ freedom of movement, deterring and disrupting their business model
Turning to future phases:
 In phase 2B we will be conducting the same activities as in phase 2A (on the high seas), but in Libyan Territorial Waters as well.
As we will be the only units operating in Libyan Territorial Waters, it is likely that we will be conducting more counter human smuggling activities and SOLAS events, because we will not be able to count on other vessels entering territorial waters to undertake rescue activities.
We will also be operating closer to the Libyan coast and therefore potentially within range of militias and terrorists that are fighting against the GNA. However we will have adequate Rules of Engagement and capabilities to effectively protect our forces; our crews are also well trained to counter such situations.
So before we start phase 2B we need:
 - An invitation from the recognised Libyan authorities.
 - A UN Security Council Resolution
A political decision from the EU Council and the Political Security Council:
The legal finish for the handling of persons apprehended inside Libyan TTW, and finally
The assets and Rules of Engagements to allow me to undertake the activities. 21

22. PHASE 3
Neutralise migrant smugglers/traffickers vessels and other enabling assets through limited and temporary special and amphibious operations. At the end of Phase 3, s/t will be reduced to a level manageable by individual Coastal States
The aim of phase 3 is to disrupt smugglers’ and traffickers’ vessels and enabling assets at sea and ashore, thus contributing to the international efforts to discourage migrants smuggling networks from engaging in further criminal activity.
In this phase, we will undertake operations on land launched from the sea, targeting smuggler and traffickers’ enabling assets such as wooden boats, rubber boats, fuel installations and other facilities ashore.
To conduct this phase of the operation, in addition to the points already mentioned for phase 2 bravo, we will need the active cooperation of the Libyan authorities.
=> Strong coordination with libyan actors 22

23. INTELLIGENCE GAPS
To illustrate the importance of active cooperation with the Libyans, in the slide you can see a satellite picture of Zuwarah harbour from early September. As can be seen, there are plenty of wooden boats. These are of the standard “Mator” kind used for fishing in the area of Libya and Tunisia, but also by the smugglers.
The challenge for EUNAVFOR MED, in particular in Phase 3, is to be able to distinguish between which boats are being used for legitimate activity such as fishing, and which boats are being used for migrant smuggling. Only a very strong Human Intelligence and an active cooperation with the Libyans can provide this kind of information. 23 23

24. TANGIBLE EFFECTS
Effective demonstration of EU political will and solidarity
Key regional states and organisations engaged and generally supportive of Op. SOPHIA
Suspected smugglers arrested by Italian authorities following EUNAVFOR MED intervention: 43
Number of boats destroyed: 46
Migrants rescued: 5723
These are some of the effects we have achieved to date with the operation.
First of all, we are providing an effective demonstration of EU political will and solidarity.
Moreover, the key regional States and the Organizations that have been engaged are showing a positive attitude and are generally supportive towards Operation SOPHIA’s mission.
In terms of results, I want to highlight that, in addition to more than lives being saved, we have produced a deterrent effect on the smugglers and they have lost their freedom of movement in the high seas.
Finally, our actions have contributed to the arrest of 43 suspected smugglers and we have prevented 46 boats from being re-used by smugglers. 24

25. SUMMARY Key points are: Comprehensive Approach must work
Continue Outreach
Engage the Libyan authorities to have active and positive cooperation
The legal framework
Sufficient assets for the operation
Cooperation with other operations in Libya and in the AOO
Capacity building of Libyan Navy and Coast Guard
Identify alternative livelihoods to replace smuggler incomes
In closing, we have made very good progress – launching the mission in record time and we are already seeing effects on the high seas. For the operation to be successful;
The comprehensive Approach must work (SOPHIA cannot deliver alone)
We need to continue the outreach activities, particularly to those stakeholders that will be influential in moving the mission forward.
We need to continue the dialogue with the Libyan authorities, and have active and positive cooperation from them for the later phases of this operation, in order to have the Libyan consent to enter their Territorial Waters and to conduct the activities outlined above.
We have to identify the proper legal finish that means we will need to have an agreement with the Libyan authorities as to whom will conduct the detention and the subsequent prosecution of the smugglers apprehended inside the territorial waters.
 We need to start training the Libyan Coastguard and Navy, so that they will be capable of protecting their own borders and therefore preventing illegal migration from Libyan shores.
 And finally, medium and long term solutions to overcome the economic loss of stopping smuggling activities if we want to get the invitation of the Libyans. 25

26. QUESTIONS?
This ends the presentation; I stand now ready to answer any questions you might have.
Rear Admiral HERVE BLEJEAN 26 26