The European Union’s diplomatic service has proposed that Operation Aspides assume a leading role in clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz when conditions permit, according to an internal document seen by Reuters.
The proposal forms part of broader discussions on maritime security in one of the world’s most strategically important shipping routes amid heightened tensions in the region.
EU proposal for future mission
According to a note dated May 26, the European External Action Service said the situation requires the EU to make a meaningful contribution to an ad hoc coalition led by France and the United Kingdom.
The document suggests that, once conditions allow, Operation Aspides should be assigned the primary responsibility for mine-clearance activities in the Strait of Hormuz while remaining separate from the parties involved in the conflict.
The proposal has been circulated among EU member states, but any change to the mission’s mandate would require unanimous approval from all 27 members.
It remains unclear whether sufficient support exists for such an expansion of the operation’s responsibilities.
Mandate expanded earlier this year
The discussion comes after the Council of the European Union approved amendments in March to the mandates of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA.
The changes strengthened the role of both missions in maritime security operations in the Red Sea and surrounding regions.
For Operation Aspides, the revised mandate expanded responsibilities beyond its existing tasks in response to repeated attacks by the Houthis against international shipping.
New responsibilities for Aspides
Under the updated framework, the mission can:
- Collect and exchange information on suspicious activities linked to critical subsea infrastructure.
- Support capacity-building through training of Djibouti’s naval forces.
- Cooperate with the Yemeni Coast Guard.
- Strengthen cooperation with other EU maritime initiatives, including CRIMARIO.
The revised mandate also broadened intelligence-sharing activities relating to critical underwater infrastructure and maritime security threats.
Changes to Atalanta mission
At the same time, the mandate of EUNAVFOR ATALANTA was updated to reflect evolving security challenges.
The operation’s monitoring of illegal charcoal trading was suspended, while greater emphasis was placed on combating arms trafficking, drug smuggling and illegal fishing.
The mission was also tasked with gathering information related to critical subsea infrastructure.
Focus on maritime security
European officials say the changes were designed to improve the EU’s ability to address growing threats to international shipping and to safeguard freedom of navigation, which remains essential for global trade.
Diplomatic sources stressed that the mandate revisions were agreed well before the outbreak of the war involving Iran and were not directly linked to the current conflict.
Nevertheless, the latest proposal suggests that Operation Aspides could play an even greater role in regional maritime security should conditions in the Strait of Hormuz require international mine-clearing operations.
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