Rome urges EU allies to provide more naval assets for Operation ASPIDES as shipping security remains a concern around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
WEB DESK: Italy has warned that contributions to the European Union’s naval mission protecting commercial shipping in the Red Sea remain insufficient, as Rome presses other member states to provide additional support for maritime security around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto made the comments on Friday after meeting EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in Rome. He welcomed a decision by some EU member states to contribute additional assets to EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, but did not identify the countries involved.
Italy Calls for More Support
Rome has repeatedly urged EU partners to strengthen ASPIDES, arguing that the naval operation needs greater participation to help protect shipping through one of the world’s key maritime chokepoints.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said earlier this week that Italy and Greece were heavily involved in the mission and that greater participation from other European countries was needed. He said freedom of navigation remained important for shipping routes linking the Suez Canal, Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.
Italy has previously indicated that it could provide additional naval support, provided other EU members share the financial burden of any expanded commitment.
EU Mission Protects Commercial Shipping
EUNAVFOR ASPIDES was launched in February 2024 as a defensive EU maritime-security operation. Its mandate includes protecting vessels from attacks, accompanying ships and improving maritime situational awareness.
The European External Action Service said in August that ASPIDES had supported more than 2,390 merchant vessels and provided close protection to more than 720 ships since its launch.
The EU describes the operation as a defensive mission intended to contribute to the safe movement of commercial shipping through the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.
Bab el-Mandeb Remains Key Chokepoint
The Bab el-Mandeb Strait connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and is a critical route for international maritime trade.
Security concerns in the wider Red Sea region have affected commercial shipping and prompted international naval operations aimed at protecting merchant vessels.
Kallas has also called for additional naval units for ASPIDES, saying the operation needs more vessels capable of escorting commercial ships through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. She has noted that some vessels offered for other regional maritime efforts could potentially be used by ASPIDES while those operations are being established.
Italy and Greece Among Main Contributors
Italy and Greece have been among the principal European contributors to ASPIDES.
An Italian frigate, Bergamini, has operated under the EU mission and has provided support to merchant vessels crossing the Red Sea. EU officials have highlighted the mission’s role in maintaining safe passage through critical maritime routes.
Italy has also previously said it would not wait indefinitely for additional EU action and has considered measures to ensure the safe passage of its own vessels through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
