European Union countries do not plan to send naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz despite calls from US President Donald Trump, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on March 16 after a meeting of EU foreign ministers. Reports Tengrinews.kz.
Kallas said the bloc does not want to become directly involved in the conflict in the Middle East. According to her, EU member states were not ready to widen the mandate of the Aspides mission, which is currently focused on protecting shipping in the Red Sea, so that it would also cover the Strait of Hormuz.
“This is not Europe’s war,” Kallas said, adding that no one wants to be drawn more deeply into fighting and that many governments are worried about where the conflict could lead. At the same time, she stressed that the Red Sea remains vital for global trade and still requires close attention.
She also warned that the risk of interference by the Houthis remains real, meaning European countries must stay alert. Last week, Trump urged several nations, including France, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Japan and South Korea, to send warships to help restore safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Germany had already ruled out Bundeswehr participation in a military mission in the region.
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