The Council has unanimously decided to extend the mandate of the European Union’s maritime security operation, known as EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, which aims to ensure the safety and freedom of navigation amid ongoing tensions related to the Red Sea crisis. This extension will last until 28 February 2026 and is backed by a reference budget exceeding €17 million for the entirety of the period. This strategic decision follows a comprehensive review of the operation’s effectiveness and the evolving maritime security landscape in the region.
In addition, the Council recognized the necessity of enhancing maritime situational awareness within the operational area. To this end, Operation ASPIDES will be empowered to gather not only the data required for the protection of vessels but also to collect intelligence on arms trafficking and illicit shadow fleets. This vital information will be shared with key stakeholders, including EU member states, the European Commission, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL), and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, which was officially launched in February 2024, serves as a defensive maritime security operation. Its primary mission is to restore and safeguard freedom of navigation in the strategically important Red Sea and the Gulf, an area known for its significant maritime trade routes and vulnerabilities to piracy and illegal activities. The extension and enhancement of the operation underscore the EU’s commitment to maintaining peace and stability in these critical waters.
