May 15, 2025, marks the thirtieth anniversary of the establishment of EUROMARFOR (European Maritime Force), a multinational maritime force founded in 1995 by France, Italy, Portugal, and Spain. Established with the Treaty of Lisbon and inspired by the principles of the 1992 Petersberg Declaration, EUROMARFOR arose from a shared strategic vision among the four founding Navies: promoting stability, security, and cooperation in the international maritime context through a joint, credible, and effective naval presence.
Four European nations, deeply linked by naval traditions and a common commitment to cooperative security, recognized early on the strategic value of the maritime domain, anticipating with EUROMARFOR the impetus for integration that would find its complete formalization in the Treaty of Lisbon of 2009 and the subsequent Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO), established in 2017. A political intuition that, then as now, proves to be current and necessary.
Over three decades of activity, EUROMARFOR has consolidated its role as a flexible operational tool at the service of European maritime security, readily adapting to the evolution of international scenarios. Its modular structure, the biennial rotation of command, and the shared direction through the Interministerial Committee (CIMIN) guarantee its operational continuity, interoperability among the participating Navies, and full adherence to the strategic needs of the international context.
Currently, the Force is under the operational command of Italy, while Portugal acts as CIMIN Secretariat (Italy will succeed in July). The rotating leadership is not only a guarantee of balance among members, but also a clear example of mutual trust and shared responsibility.
Over the past two years, EUROMARFOR has significantly intensified its operational activity, both in the Mediterranean and in maritime areas with high instability. It is currently present in the Indian Ocean in support of Operation EUNAVFOR ATALANTA and conducts presence and surveillance activities in the Gulf of Guinea, promoting cooperation with regional navies and international partners. In the Mediterranean, in addition to participating in major multinational exercises (MARE APERTO, ITALIAN MINEX, OLIVES NOIRES, SPANISHMINEX), since last February EUROMARFOR has been contributing to NATO's Operation NOBLE SHIELD.
These operations demonstrate the high level of readiness and the integrated response capability of the Force, which confirms itself as a concrete and credible instrument of international cooperation in the maritime domain.
Celebrating thirty years of EUROMARFOR also means highlighting the role of the Italian Defence in the international context, promoting a shared security vision based on integration, resilience, and an active presence in the seas. In an era characterized by hybrid threats, regional instability, and increasing strategic competition, EUROMARFOR represents one of the longest-standing and most successful expressions of European military cooperation, as well as a multiplier of effectiveness and credibility for the maritime action of the European Union and NATO.
As underlined by Vice Admiral Aurelio De Carolis, Commander-in-Chief of Naval Fleet and Commander of the European Maritime Force, in closing the ceremony: "Today, we not only look with pride at the milestones achieved over the past thirty years, but we also turn our gaze to the horizon, towards the challenges and opportunities that await us. Because the legacy of EUROMARFOR is not only made of past successes, but of future promises. Promises that are based on our constant commitment and the collaboration between the Navies, to ensure that the seas remain safe, open, and free – today and for generations to come. Together, we will continue to navigate towards the future, a future without borders, full of hope, like the seas we defend. Long live EUROMARFOR.
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