The foreign ministers of the European Union countries held discussions in March regarding the possible expansion of the naval mission Aspides, which currently provides escort for commercial vessels in the Red Sea to protect against Houthi attacks. Special attention was given to the potential extension of the operation to the Strait of Hormuz, which is strategically important for global energy resource supplies.
This is reported by Kyiv24
EU Considers Options for Strengthening the Naval Mission
The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, stated that EU member states are currently not ready to change the mandate of the Aspides mission. According to him, the priority remains ensuring freedom of navigation as well as enhancing the effectiveness of the existing naval operation. Strengthening the mission implies increasing naval resources; however, the idea of extending the mission’s operations to the Strait of Hormuz has not yet received support among EU countries, which are trying to avoid escalation in the region.
“We discussed options for better protecting navigation in the region. The EU already has a naval operation – Aspides, which plays an important role in ensuring freedom of navigation. During the discussion, there was a clear desire to strengthen this operation, but there was currently no readiness to change its mandate. While the Strait of Hormuz is now in the spotlight, the Red Sea also remains critically important. There is a risk of Houthi interference, so we must remain vigilant.”
Strategic Role of the Strait of Hormuz and the EU’s Position
Josep Borrell emphasized that about 20% of global oil and gas supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, which has a particular impact on Asian countries. Fertilizers are also transported via this route, so supply disruptions could lead to food problems in the coming year. The EU emphasizes the need for diplomatic solutions to stabilize the situation and ensure maritime security.
According to Borrell, the countries of the European Union do not intend to actively intervene in the conflict in the region and are also avoiding steps that could lead to further escalation. At the same time, in light of the threat from the Houthis in the Red Sea and the tense situation around the Strait of Hormuz, the EU is gathering proposals from member states regarding further actions.
In response to statements from Iranian officials claiming that the Strait of Hormuz is closed only to “enemy vessels,” Josep Borrell stressed the need for real security guarantees to ensure free navigation and called for concrete efforts in this direction.
Meanwhile, in March, world leaders and politicians are discussing security in the Strait of Hormuz. Donald Trump called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and other states to send warships to protect navigation. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius stated that his country is ready to assist in ensuring security in the region, while UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer declined to send warships in response to Trump’s call.
In a recent interview, Donald Trump also noted that NATO could face serious consequences if the Strait of Hormuz is not opened for oil transportation, considering its blockade by Iran amid the ongoing confrontation with the US and Israel.