The European Union is considering changing the mandate of its naval mission in the Middle East
The Head of EU Diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, stated that she might propose changing the mandate of the EU naval mission Aspides for the Middle East. The goal of the change is to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz, through which about a fifth of the world's oil is transported, and to prevent possible serious disruptions in supplies, writes Euronews.
Kaja Kallas. Photo: AP Photo/Virginia Mayo
The Aspides mission, established in February 2024, currently has tasks to protect vessels, ensure freedom of navigation, and monitor the situation in the Strait of Hormuz and surrounding waters, including the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf. However, now, due to the escalating crisis, the possibility of reviewing the mandate for more effective response is being considered.
This discussion takes place against the backdrop of pressure from the US, when Donald Trump called on European countries to help open the Strait of Hormuz, warning of a «very bad» future for NATO if this does not happen.
However, there are no expected results yet. Germany, for example, has already stated that it will not participate in expanding the mission's powers, and Luxembourg noted that the EU should not participate directly in the war and can only assist technically — through satellites and communications, but not with military forces.
Analysts note that changes to the Aspides mandate are unlikely to receive unanimous support from all European countries, and the purpose of the meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels is to harmonize capabilities and coordinate actions under the auspices of the EU.