Luxembourg Defence Minister Discusses EU Security, NATO Cooperation in Italy

From Monday 16 to Tuesday 17 March 2026, Luxembourg's Minister of Defence, Yuriko Backes, undertook a working visit to Italy.

According to Luxembourg's Directorate of Defence, the first day included a visit to the operational headquarters of the European Union's Operation EUNAVFOR MED IRINI in Rome. During a meeting with the operation's commander, Rear Admiral Marco Casapieri, Minister Backes exchanged views on the core tasks of this EU operation in the Mediterranean. Operation IRINI is the only international actor contributing to the implementation of the arms embargo on Libya imposed by the United Nations Security Council to support the return to peace and stability in the country. A new task was recently added to Operation IRINI's mandate, to improve maritime situational awareness. 

On the same day, in Sicily, Minister Backes visited the Naval Air Station Sigonella, where the aircraft and crew provided by Luxembourg's Directorate of Defence to Operation IRINI are permanently stationed. Since 2020, Luxembourg has been providing the operation with a maritime patrol aircraft, contributing 150 hours of maritime air surveillance flights per month.

Also in Sigonella, Minister Backes visited the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force (NISRF). This programme relies primarily on a fleet of strategic surveillance drones based on the RQ-4D Phoenix platform. These high-altitude, long-endurance observation drones contribute to strategic surveillance and threat anticipation in the Euro-Atlantic area. Luxembourg has participated in this NATO programme since 2012, initially contributing to the acquisition of the RQ-4D Phoenix, and subsequently providing satellite communications capabilities until 31 December 2029, for a maximum amount of €120 million. In addition, Luxembourg's Directorate of Defence provides satellite communications capabilities to the NISRF as needed through the Medium Earth Orbit Global Services programme.

On Tuesday, in Rome, Minister Backes held her first bilateral meeting with the Italian Minister of Defence, Guido Crosetto. Discussions focused on bilateral relations, the security situation in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, Russian aggression against Ukraine and the importance of military support for the Ukrainian armed forces. The ministers also exchanged views on strengthening the European pillar of the Euro-Atlantic deterrence and defence posture.

"Europe must assume more responsibility; we must coordinate better and strengthen our defence industrial base," Minister Backes stressed.

While in Rome, the minister also visited the Santa Rosa naval command centre.