29/03/2021 (Agence Europe) – In the next few days, the European Union is expected to appoint the Italian Captain Stefano Frumento as the new EU Force Commander of the EunavforMed Irini operation as of 1 April 2021. The Italian authorities have indicated that Captain Frumento will be promoted to Rear Admiral upon his appointment as EU Force Commander. He will replace the Greek Commodore Theodoros Mikropoulos (see EUROPE 12584/34). In addition, Christoph Buik’s term of office as Head of the EU Advisory Mission supporting security sector reform in Iraq (EUAM Iraq) is expected to be extended until 30 April 2022, the end of the mission’s current mandate. Buik’s term of office was originally due to end on 17 April 2021. (CG)