EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has visited personnel serving with the European Union's naval mission in the Red Sea, a deployment designed to safeguard one of the world's most critical maritime chokepoints. The trip, which took place aboard a German frigate, underscores the bloc's determination to protect commercial shipping from persistent attacks by Houthi rebels based in Yemen.
The mission, known as Aspides — Greek for 'shields' — was launched in February 2024 and involves warships and aerial assets from several EU member states, including France, Italy, Greece, and the Netherlands. Its primary objective is to escort merchant vessels and intercept incoming threats, such as missiles and drones, that have targeted ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait since late 2023.
Kallas: 'Freedom of navigation is non-negotiable'
During her visit, Kallas met with sailors and officers from the German frigate Hessen, which has been patrolling the area as part of the EU force. She praised their professionalism and reiterated the strategic importance of the mission. 'The Red Sea is a vital artery for global trade, and Europe depends on its security,' she said in a statement. 'Freedom of navigation is non-negotiable, and we will continue to defend it.'
The Houthi campaign, which the group says is in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, has disrupted shipping routes, forcing many vessels to take longer and costlier journeys around the Cape of Good Hope. This has raised insurance premiums and threatened supply chains across Europe, particularly for energy imports and manufactured goods from Asia.
The EU's naval presence is part of a broader international effort that includes the US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian and the UK's maritime security patrols. However, Aspides operates under a distinct European command structure, with its operational headquarters in Larissa, Greece, and a force commander based in Rome.
Kallas's visit comes at a time when the Houthis have escalated their rhetoric, threatening to close the Bab el-Mandeb entirely. In response, the EU has strengthened its Red Sea naval mission, adding more vessels and extending its mandate. The mission has already intercepted dozens of drones and missiles, and escorted hundreds of commercial ships through the danger zone.
Analysts note that the EU's role in the Red Sea is also a test of its ambition to become a more credible security actor, especially as the United States shifts its strategic focus toward the Indo-Pacific. 'This mission shows that Europe can project power beyond its borders when its interests are at stake,' said Sophia Besch, a defence expert at the Centre for European Reform in London.
The visit also highlighted the broader geopolitical context. The Houthi attacks have drawn in Iran, which is widely accused of supplying the rebels with advanced weaponry. EU diplomats have called for de-escalation but have also warned that the bloc will not hesitate to defend its assets. 'We are not looking for a confrontation, but we are prepared for one,' Kallas added.
Back in Brussels, the European External Action Service is coordinating with member states to ensure the mission's sustainability. The EU's defence commissioner has also backed plans to improve military mobility across the continent, which could facilitate faster deployment of naval assets in future crises. Meanwhile, the UK's new prime minister, Andy Burnham, is expected to continue his predecessor's EU policy, including cooperation on maritime security, according to analysts.
The Aspides mission is scheduled to run until at least early 2025, but EU officials have indicated it could be extended if the threat persists. For now, Kallas's visit serves as a reminder that Europe is willing to invest in the security of the Red Sea — a waterway that carries roughly 12 percent of global trade.
