Brussels: Speaking after a meeting of EU defence ministers, Kallas said that Operation Aspides is already playing a key role in safeguarding maritime traffic in the Red Sea, but its activities could potentially be broadened across the wider region.
She noted that several countries have expressed willingness to contribute additional naval ships to the mission, a move that would support any future expansion of the operation’s scope.
Operation Aspides was launched by the European Union in February 2024 following a series of attacks targeting commercial vessels in the Red Sea, which disrupted one of the world’s busiest maritime trade corridors.
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Following a strategic review, the European Union later decided to extend the mission’s mandate until February 28, 2027.
