A delegation from the Hellenic Diplomatic Academy in Athens visited the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES Operations Headquarters in Larissa on 29 June 2026, according to a press release from the European External Action Service (EEAS). The visit aimed to familiarize the diplomats with the EU's maritime security operation in the Red Sea.
Rear Admiral Pierre-Yves Grente, Deputy Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, welcomed the delegation and outlined the operation's role as a Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) mission contributing to freedom of navigation and maritime security. Captain Vasileios Tsiouflias, Chief of Staff, delivered a presentation on the operation's mission, organizational structure, and ongoing activities, emphasizing its strategic importance for the safety of international maritime traffic.
EUNAVFOR ASPIDES was launched in February 2024 to protect merchant vessels and deter attacks in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding waters amid Houthi rebel strikes. The operation, headquartered in Larissa, Greece, involves naval assets from several EU member states. The visit by the Hellenic Diplomatic Academy underscores the operation's role in EU foreign policy and the importance of training future diplomats on CSDP missions.