EU launches naval mission in Red Sea, Gulf regions

The European Union (EU) has initiated a naval mission in the Red Sea and the Gulf regions in order to protect its commercial and security interests. The mission, known as “ASPIDES,” is of a defensive nature and aims to restore and safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf. The headquarters of the mission will be located in Larissa, Greece.

The Council of the EU stated that the mission will ensure an EU naval presence in the area, specifically in response to Houthi attacks on international commercial vessels. The mission will provide maritime situational awareness, accompany vessels, and protect them against possible multi-domain attacks at sea. The operation will be active along key sea lines of communication in the Baab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as international waters in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Persian Gulf.

The EU’s Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni emphasized the necessity of the mission by highlighting the impact of shipping reroutes through the Red Sea. He noted that delivery times for shipments between Asia and the EU have increased by 10-15 days, and the costs of these shipments have risen by approximately 400 per cent.

The launch of the “ASPIDES” naval mission signifies the EU’s commitment to safeguarding its commercial and security interests in the Red Sea and the Gulf regions. As tensions continue to affect international commercial vessels, the EU aims to restore and maintain freedom of navigation in the area to mitigate disruptions and ensure the smooth flow of trade. The mission’s defensive mandate will provide essential protection and support to vessels navigating through the affected waters, ultimately contributing to the stability and security of the region.