EU steps up arms embargo as weapons continue to pour into Libya

European naval forces are intensifying their presence in the Mediterranean as efforts to promote peace and stability in Libya continue.

The European Union (EU) has sharply stepped up its monitoring of shipping and air traffic linked to Libya, inspecting hundreds of vessels and flights as part of its long-running naval mission to enforce the arms embargo on Libya, as reported by the Libya Review on January 28th.

According to a monthly activity report released by the European External Action Service, the EU’s naval mission EUNAVFOR MED IRINI investigated 774 merchant vessels travelling towards Libya in December 2025, however military equipment continues to flow into Libya. These checks were carried out through radio-based requests for information, a process known as “hailings”, which allows naval forces to gather details on cargo, routes and ownership without boarding the ship.

Air and port activity was also closely tracked, with the mission monitoring 88 flights considered suspect and maintaining surveillance of 25 airports and landing strips. Surveillance was also maintained over 16 ports and oil terminals connected to Libya.

Despite the EU’s ongoing efforts to enforce the embargo on arms entering Libya, evidence suggests weapons and military equipment are still making their way into the country through maritime routes. A sanctioned Russian cargo vessel recently delivered suspected military equipment to the port of Tobruk under the escort of a naval warship, underscoring the persistent challenges in halting prohibited shipments to Libya.

Operation IRINI was launched in March 2020 following the Berlin Conference on Libya, with the primary goal of enforcing the United Nations arms embargo. Over time, its remit has grown to include tackling oil smuggling, disrupting human smuggling networks, improving awareness of maritime activity, and supporting Libyan authorities responsible for law enforcement as well as search and rescue operations at sea.

In March 2025, the EU extended the mission’s mandate until March 2027, adding maritime situational awareness to its formal responsibilities. This extension was accompanied by a United Nations Security Council resolution renewing the inspection regime for vessels suspected of breaching the arms embargo.

Since the operation began, more than 21,500 merchant ships have been investigated. A total of 33 suspect vessels have been boarded, with embargo-breaking cargo seized on three occasions. The mission has also filed dozens of reports with EU institutions and the UN Panel of Experts on Libya, highlighting potential violations of the embargo and illegal oil trading.

Libya Review, Maghrebi.org