EU extends Red Sea Operation ASPIDES until February 2027

BRUSSELS, February 23 (KUNA) -- The European Union Council announced on Monday its decision to extend the EU maritime operation aimed at protecting navigation security and freedom of passage in context of the Red Sea crisis until February 2027, following a strategic review of the operation.
The Council stated in a statement that, as part of the extension decision, a financial reference amount of nearly EUR 15 million was agreed upon to cover the common costs of the operation during the period from March 2026 to February 2027.
The operation contributes to safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and surrounding waters amid ongoing threats against commercial and cargo vessels.
Operation ASPIDES also provides defensive maritime security protection and supports stability along vital sea routes in accordance with international law.
The Eu established Operation ASPIDES in February 2024 as a defensive operation in response to the Red Sea crisis, following a series of attacks carried out by the Houthi group since October 2023 against international shipping vessels.
The operation was launched with a mandate aimed at protecting ships and ensuring freedom of navigation. It is active along main maritime shipping lanes near the Bab al-Mandab Strait and also monitors the maritime situation in the Strait of Hormuz, as well as in international waters in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Arabian Gulf. (end) arn.aai