EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has called on member states to provide more ships and aircraft for Operation Aspides, the mission protecting commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
Speaking after a meeting of EU foreign ministers in New York, Kallas said the mission needs more resources to respond to threats against shipping. She noted that the operation was initially assessed to need at least 10 vessels and said the security situation has since become more serious.
The EU launched Aspides in 2024 in response to attacks on merchant vessels. Its defensive mission covers the Red Sea and surrounding waters, including the route through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.