The government has given the Swedish Armed Forces the task of placing up to ten staff officers in the EU’s maritime security operation Eunavfor Aspides in the Red Sea.
Against the backdrop of Houthi attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, the EU’s Foreign Affairs Council decided on 8 February to establish a military naval operation to help ensure freedom of navigation for ships in the area.
Eunavfor Aspides, or Operation Aspides, task is to escort and protect ships against attacks at sea in the Red Sea and in nearby areas. This must be done in close cooperation with like-minded actors. The operation’s mandate is defensive.
– Sweden protects the right to a functioning and free international shipping. The attacks on civilian ships are a serious threat to this and need to be countered. Sweden’s contribution to the EU effort Eunavfor Aspides is therefore important for our common security, says Defense Minister Pål Jonson.
– The Iran-backed Huthi rebels’ attacks on shipping are serious. Sweden is a maritime nation and a large part of our trade goes through the Red Sea. A stop to trade would have a very negative impact on Sweden and the entire EU. Swedish presence in the EU-led effort is therefore important, says Mikael Oscarsson (KD), defense policy spokesperson.
– The EU’s action in the Red Sea is necessary to protect shipping in the area from the terrible attacks of the Houthis and maintain security in the area. I see it as obvious that Sweden in a first step contributes to the effort with staff officers. Freedom must be defended, says Anna Starbrink (L), defense policy spokesperson.
The decision on Swedish participation with up to ten staff officers in Eunavfor Aspides applies until February 19, 2025.
