Italy and EU Urge Stronger Aspides Mission and Maritime Security

Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for bolstering the Aspides mission and supporting freedom of navigation in the Middle East.

The appeal focused on maritime security in the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, placing safe passage at the centre of the European effort.

Lebanon also featured in the regional security agenda alongside the maritime issues. The brief account did not specify any measures relating to the country.

No details were provided on additional resources for Aspides or a timetable for strengthening the mission. The call therefore outlined priorities without setting out new operational commitments.