On 16 July, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas visited the EUNAVFOR Operation ASPIDES headquarters in Djibouti, where she met with the operation's commander, Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis, aboard the Italian frigate BERGAMINI. During the visit, Kallas received an update on the operation and praised Djibouti as a valued partner, stating that "Operation ASPIDES is protecting lives, trade and stability. But ships cannot secure sea lanes without reliable partners on shore." She noted that over the past 29 months, the operation has protected more than 670 merchant vessels and saved 128 seafarers.
EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, launched in February 2024 with a defensive mandate, operates in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding waters to safeguard maritime security amid regional instability. The operation contributes to regional stability and prosperity by protecting global common goods and ensuring the safety of seafarers. Kallas's visit underscores the EU's commitment to maritime security and its partnership with Djibouti, a key strategic location for naval operations in the region. The press release from the EEAS, published on 17 July 2026, did not announce new measures or policy changes but reaffirmed the EU's ongoing support for the mission.