Brussels, Feb. 23 (SANA) The Council of the European Union decided Monday to extend the mandate of the EU maritime security mission ASPIDES in the Red Sea until Feb. 28, 2027, following a strategic review.
In a statement posted on its website, the Council said it had approved a financial reference amount of nearly 15 million euros to cover the mission’s common costs from March 1, 2026, to Feb. 28, 2027.
The mission aims to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and surrounding waters in response to ongoing threats against merchant and commercial vessels.
The decision reflects the EU’s continued commitment to maritime security, regional stability, and the protection of global trade flows, the statement said.
Operation ASPIDES provides defensive maritime security, protects vessels, and supports stability along key maritime routes in accordance with international law.
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