The High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, proposed on 25 February that the European Peace Facility Committee should now decide on the final destination of the arms and related material seized by the Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI, on the proposal of the EU Operation Commander.
Until now, EUNAVFOR MED IRINI has been able to divert vessels to ports of a Member State, at the invitation of that Member State, and dispose of seized arms and related materiel in that Member State, including through storage and destruction.
According to the proposal obtained by EUROPE, the High Representative also recommends that the European Peace Facility should bear the costs of storing and disposing of the arms and related materiel seized by Irini in its area of operations, “including costs related to the necessary port services, and to the financial liability resulting from the diversion of a vessel or from subsequent actions until the disposal of seized items”.
Any revenue that may be generated by a Member State assisting in the disposal of seized arms and related materiel is transferred to the Facility, the High Representative added.
He also recommends that Irini’s term be extended by 2 years, until 31 March 2023. (Original version in French by Camille-Cerise Gessant)