Brussels – The naval mission Aspides “could be extended to the Strait of Hormuz; all that is needed is an amendment to the operational plan.” Now the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, is dispelling any remaining doubts: the European Union is serious and is seriously considering changing the mandate of the naval mission in the Red Sea launched in February 2024 in response to the unrest in Yemen. There is no shortage of ideas: in the Persian Gulf, Operation Aspides “could escort merchant ships,” and “if the mandate is changed, it could also be used for maritime mine clearance operations,” explains Kallas during the press conference held at the end of the Foreign Affairs Council meeting dedicated to defence issues.
Looking ahead, and once the conflict in Iran has ended, Aspides “could be our contribution to the coalition of the willing at the European level.” From a strategic point of view, however, extending the EU naval military mission to the Strait of Hormuz “could be the way to make Europe truly strong in the region, but also from a geopolitical perspective, because our contribution would be far more significant if we acted together.” This explains, in Kallas’s own words, the reasons for insisting on Aspides.
Of course, for such an approach to be put into practice, many more ships will be needed. From this point of view, things seem to be moving: “Some Member States will contribute more vessels to these operations,” the High Representative reveals, without going into detail. Belgium is reportedly among the participants, having made a frigate available. In any case, “we had a very positive discussion on the Aspides mission,” Kallas assures.
Practical considerations are driving the EU to rethink its existing naval operations: the closure of the Strait of Hormuz “is untenable,” Kallas stresses. Rising inflation, the unprecedented energy crisis, and the risk of a severe economic downturn are prompting a change of course among the EU-27.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
