The European Union has announced that its naval task force deployed to safeguard international maritime navigation in the Red Sea has successfully secured the passage of approximately 1,200 commercial vessels since the launch of its mission in early 2024.
In a statement released Saturday, EU officials emphasized the strategic importance of the Red Sea corridor, which has faced mounting security threats due to regional instability and attacks on shipping lanes. The naval operation, part of the EU’s broader maritime security initiative, aims to ensure the safe flow of global trade through one of the world’s busiest and most vital waterways.
“The EU Naval Force has played a critical role in protecting merchant vessels and maintaining freedom of navigation in the region,” the statement read. “Our coordinated patrols and rapid response capabilities have helped deter threats and reassure commercial operators.”
The mission, which involves several EU member states and operates in coordination with international partners, has focused on escorting vulnerable ships, monitoring suspicious activity, and responding to incidents at sea. Officials noted that the operation remains ongoing and will continue to adapt to evolving risks.
The announcement comes amid heightened global attention to maritime security in the Red Sea, where geopolitical tensions and armed attacks have disrupted shipping and raised concerns over energy and trade flows.