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Kaja Kallas, EU Foreign Policy Chief, stated on Monday that there was “no desire” to extend the EU naval mission Aspides in the Strait of Hormuz, despite increasing calls for Europe to help secure the waterway and prevent major disruptions in global oil and LNG supply.
“The discussion centered on reinforcing this mission (Aspides) because it lacks sufficient naval resources,” Kaya Kallas said at a press conference following a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels. “However, there was no interest from member states in extending the mandate to cover the Strait of Hormuz.”
“No one wants to actively participate in this war,” she added.
Kaja Kallas spoke after the EU’s 27 foreign ministers gathered in Brussels to discuss Europe’s response to the impact of the conflict with Iran, which analysts describe as the biggest disruption to global oil supply, pushing oil prices above $100 a barrel for the first time since 2022.
She made her remarks the day after U.S. President Donald Trump urged Europe to contribute to protecting the Strait of Hormuz, warning that NATO would face a “very bad future” if members did not assist Washington.
Ministers also discussed the possibility of bolstering Operation Aspides, established in February 2024 as a defensive operation following Houthi attacks, Iran allies, on international maritime transport.
Aspides aims to protect ships, ensure freedom of navigation, and monitor maritime activities in a wide area including the Strait of Hormuz, Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, Gulf of Oman, and Persian Gulf.
However, Trump’s call on Monday did not yield results as EU countries were not inclined to expand Aspides’ responsibilities.
German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul ruled out German involvement in the operation, while his Romanian counterpart, Oana-Silvia Toiu, hinted that Bucharest was not keen on joining Aspides, focusing instead on Black Sea naval capabilities.
Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel echoed some of these reservations, emphasizing that the EU was not directly involved in the war.
“With satellites, communications, we are very happy to be helpful, but do not ask for troops and machines,” he told journalists before the “Foreign Affairs” Council.
