The European Union (EU) has decided to extend its naval mission in the Red Sea for another year, aiming to protect commercial shipping and ensure freedom of navigation in the region.
In a statement released on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, the EU Council confirmed the extension of the mandate for its maritime security operation, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, until 28 February 2026. The decision follows a strategic review of the operation and includes a reference budget of over €17 million.
The EU’s operation, launched in February 2024, was designed as a defensive measure to safeguard commercial vessels in the Red Sea, particularly against threats posed by the Houthis.
The mission has now been further strengthened to include intelligence gathering and the collection of data related to arms trafficking and shadow fleets.
Headquartered in Larissa, Greece, the mission will continue its efforts to secure the vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, critical for global trade.
