Ireland and EU common security & defence policy: operation Sophia as an example of EU contribution in the maritime environment

This paper will discuss the background to the EU Naval operation EUNAVFOR MED. It will focus on Ireland's role providing a key maritime resource in a multinational environment working with partners across the EU and NATO. It will explain some of the unique aspects of the mission from the first-hand perspective of an Irish Defence Forces Naval Service officer centrally involved with the EU operation. Finally, it will draw some conclusions about how all EU states can contribute to a dynamic maritime operation such as EUNAVFOR MED.