Blurring the line between external and internal security: The case of EU´s maritime operation
Sophia
Crisis Management Operations
Sergei Rivlin

Operation EUNAVFOR MED Sophia
•launched on June 22, 2015 as part of an EU comprehensive approach to manage illegal migration
disrupt the networks of traffickers and smugglers.
EU’s comprehensive response includes root causes:
Ømilitary conflict
Øpoverty
Øharassment.

The mission's core mandate:
Ø systematically identification,
capture and disposal of smuggler’s
ships
Ø disrupt the southern smuggling
and trafficking business model
Ø prevent further death in the sea

Background
•Crisis in the Mediterranean Sea:
Ø3,500 people died in 2014
Ø3,700 people died in 2015
 - more than 1,200 in couple months
Ø22,000 in total since 2000s
•

Location of the operation Sophia



Migration across the Mediterranean to Europe



Problem-solving programs
Ø improve border
management
Ø voluntary return to
origin countries
Ø ensure adequate
reception conditions
for migrants in Libya

Expansion of the mandate
Ø create a monitoring mechanism to ensure the long-term effectiveness of training for the Libyan
coast guard;
Ø conduct new observations and collect information on illicit trafficking in oil exports from
Libya;
Ø expand the exchange of information on trafficking in persons with the law enforcement agencies of
the Member States, FRONTEX and EUROPOL
Ø
•FRONTEX - European Border and Coast Guard Agency
EUROPOL - The European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation

Palpable outcomes



Thanks for your attention