Kaja Kallas Calls for More Naval Support in the Red Sea
Sep 22, 2026 – The top diplomat of the European Union, Kaja Kallas, has urged member countries to increase their naval presence to safeguard commercial shipping in the Red Sea.
Since 2024, EU nations have been involved in Operation Aspides, monitoring the Red Sea as attacks by the Houthis have intensified, affecting shipping traffic in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
“We need more naval and air support to tackle the heightened threats in this area,” Kallas stated to reporters in New York after meeting with EU foreign ministers during the United Nations General Assembly. “The Black Sea, the Strait of Hormuz, and the Strait of Bab el-Mandeb are crucial maritime choke points, and any disruptions here impact regions beyond these areas.”
Currently, the operation mainly includes three ships from Italy and Greece, with occasional assistance from other EU countries. However, EU members have not shown interest in increasing the number of ships or changing the goals of the mission.
“When Aspides was launched, it was clear that at least 10 ships were necessary,” Kallas mentioned. “The situation is even more serious now.”