1.   As a supporting task, EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA shall assist in the development of the capacities and in the training of the Libyan Coast Guard and Navy in law enforcement tasks at sea, in particular to prevent human smuggling and trafficking.

2.   When the PSC decides that the necessary preparations have been made, in particular as regards force generation and vetting procedures for the trainees, the supporting task referred to in paragraph 1 shall be carried out on the high seas in EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA's agreed area of operation as defined in the relevant planning documents.

3.   The supporting task referred to in paragraph 1 may also be carried out in the territory, including the territorial waters, of Libya or of a host third State neighbouring Libya where the PSC so decides following an assessment by the Council on the basis of an invitation by Libya or the host State concerned, and in accordance with international law.

4.   In view of the exceptional operational requirements, part of the supporting task referred to in paragraph 1 may be conducted, by invitation, within a Member State, including in relevant training centres.

5.   Insofar as required by the supporting task referred to in paragraph 1 EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA may collect, store and share with Member States, UNSMIL, EUROPOL and Frontex the information, including personal data, gathered for the purpose of vetting procedures on possible trainees, provided that they have given their consent in writing. Moreover, EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA may collect and store necessary medical information and biometric data on trainees with their written consent.

1.   As part of its supporting task to contribute to the implementation of the UN arms embargo on the high seas off the coast of Libya, EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA shall gather and share information with relevant partners and agencies through the mechanisms in the planning documents in order to contribute to a comprehensive maritime situational awareness in the agreed area of operation as defined in the relevant planning documents. Where such information is classified up to “RESTREINT UE/EU RESTRICTED” level, it may be shared with relevant partners and agencies in accordance with Decision 2013/488/EU and based on Arrangements concluded between the HR and those partners, in full respect of the principles of reciprocity and inclusiveness. Classified information received shall be handled by EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA without any distinction between its staff and solely on the basis of operational requirements.

2.   When the PSC decides that the relevant conditions are met, EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA shall commence, within the agreed area of operation, as defined in the relevant planning documents, on the high seas off the coast of Libya, inspections of vessels bound to or from Libya where there are reasonable grounds to believe that such vessels are carrying arms or related materiel to or from Libya, directly or indirectly, in violation of the arms embargo on Libya, and shall take relevant action to seize and dispose of such items, including with a view to diverting such vessels and their crews to a suitable port to facilitate such disposal, with the consent of the port State, in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, including UNSCR 2292 (2016).

3.   In accordance with the relevant UN Security Council Resolutions, including UNSCR 2292 (2016), EUNAVFOR MED operation SOPHIA may, in the course of inspections carried out in accordance with paragraph 2, collect evidence directly related to the carriage of items prohibited under the arms embargo on Libya. It may transmit such evidence to the relevant law enforcement authorities of Member States and/or to competent Union bodies.’;