Main Operations

Operation Themis supports Italy with border control, surveillance and search and rescue in the Central Mediterranean.

The joint operation began in February 2018 and replaced operation Triton, which was launched in 2014. Operation Themis have an enhanced law enforcement focus while continuing to include search and rescue as a crucial component.

Its operational area spans the Central Mediterranean Sea from waters covering flows from Algeria, Tunisia, Libya, Egypt, Turkey and Albania. Officers deployed by the agency also support the Italian authorities in the registration of the arriving migrants.

Reflecting the needs of the Italian authorities, as well as the priorities of Frontex, Operation Themis also has a significant security component, include collection of intelligence and other steps aimed at detecting foreign fighters and other terrorist threats at the external borders.

The agency shares this information with the Italian authorities and Europol.

All assets deployed within the framework of Operation Themis operate under the command of the Italian Ministry of Interior.