Italy calls on the EU to strengthen protection of ships in the Red Sea
Serbian News Media pre 21 dana
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto stated that the contributions of European Union member states to the “Aspides” naval mission remain insufficient to guarantee the safe passage of merchant ships through the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
The “Aspides” mission was launched in 2024 with the aim of protecting commercial maritime traffic from attacks by Yemen’s Houthis, who have close ties to Iran. Attacks on ships in the Red Sea in recent years have forced some shipping companies to avoid this route, prolonging journeys between Asia and Europe. Crosetto made this statement after a meeting in Rome with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. He welcomed the decision of certain
