Also, two Vessel Boarding Teams formed by military personnel with the Lithuanian Navy, Land Force, Special Operations Forces, and Military Police, are currently training for deployment. The first of the two will be deployed to the area of operation in November and will serve aboard a German ship for three months. The second team will replace it early next year.
A Resolution by the Parliament of the Republic of Lithuania passed this year increased the maximal number of soldiers deployed to the EU Operation Sophia from 5 to 20 to accommodate more Lithuanian staff officers and a Vessel Boarding Team.
Contributions to multinational operations remains a strong expression of Lithuania’s commitment to international security and a tool to strengthen the EU Common Security and Defence Policy, NATO’s collective defence, and military cooperation.
EU Operation Sophia in the Mediterranean
The European Council launched EUNAVFOR MED Operation Sophia in the Southern Central Mediterranean in May 2015 to prevent human smuggling from North Africa, mainly Libya. The main goal of the operation is monitoring of illegal activities and capturing ships involved in it, search of ships to enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya, and training of Libyan forces for coast protection. The EU operation is carried out by 24 countries contributing warships and other military capabilities. Currently, the strength of the operation is five ships and three helicopters authorised to interdict smugglers’ ships or dispose of them on the high seas.
