EU foreign policy chief Kallas told defense ministers ahead of Monday’s meeting that escort demand is “more urgent than ever,” saying Brussels has received many escort requests but needs naval forces capable of conducting escorts. Houthi advances in Yemen and recent attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure have heightened concern about further fuel-supply disruptions. EU states have so far refused to strengthen the Aspides Red Sea escort operation; Kallas urged members to redeploy assets already p

EU foreign policy chief Kallas told defense ministers ahead of Monday’s meeting that escort demand is “more urgent than ever,” saying Brussels has received many escort requests but needs naval forces capable of conducting escorts. Houthi advances in Yemen and recent attacks on Saudi energy infrastructure have heightened concern about further fuel-supply disruptions. EU states have so far refused to strengthen the Aspides Red Sea escort operation; Kallas urged members to redeploy assets already pledged but not yet deployed for a planned voluntary alliance in the Strait of Hormuz to support the Red Sea mission.