The European Union plans to broaden the scope of its naval mission in the Mediterranean, adding measures against the so-called «shadow fleet» and protection of underwater infrastructure, according to Euronews.

The outlet reported that the expanded mission would also cover naval diplomacy with North African countries.

EUNavfor Med Irini is set to be extended until March 31, 2029. Under the revised mandate, countering Russia’s «shadow fleet» will be formally included among the operation’s tasks.

Euronews also recalled that EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas recently said the rules governing the use of force in maritime missions had been changed. Following that shift, participants in the operation began inspecting vessels suspected of belonging to the «shadow fleet».

Kallas had earlier said European allies lacked enough warships for the Aspides mission, which is responsible for protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. She also noted that demand for vessel escorts is particularly high.