Brussels, 23/02/2026 (Agence Europe) – On Monday 23 February, the Council of the EU decided to extend the European Union maritime security operation to guarantee freedom of navigation in the context of the Red Sea crisis until 28 February 2027 (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES). As part of this extension, the EU Council approved a budget of almost €15 million for the period 1 March 2026-28 February 2027. The operation was launched in February 2024 at a time when Houthi attacks had been targeting international commercial vessels for several months (see EUROPE 13353/8). Its mandate includes providing protection for ships passing through the area, operating along the main shipping lanes around the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and monitoring the maritime situation in the Strait of Hormuz as well as in the international waters of the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. (CG)