Brussels, March 31 -- The European Council has updated the mandates of its key naval operations, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA, to strengthen maritime security and safeguard global trade routes, according to an official European Council press release.

According to the press release issued on March 30, the move comes as the European Union seeks to reinforce its presence in the Red Sea and surrounding waters amid the ongoing threats to international shipping, including attacks on commercial vessels amid the ongoing West Asia conflict.

Under the revised mandate, ASPIDES, which was launched in February 2024 as a defensive response to Houthi attacks, will expand its role beyond protecting shipping lanes. The mission, according to th...