Eunavfor Aspides: The Newest European Union Military Operation

The start of the Israel-Hamas war (October 2023) generated rather unpredictable consequences, one of them being the attacks of the Houthi rebels on commercial ships transiting the routes between the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, thus putting the lives of the sailors at risk and restricting the freedom of navigation. The European Union responded in a military manner also, by launching a new naval operation: EUNAVFOR ASPIDES. Blending elements of qualitative data analysis with the case study research, this paper examines the legal framework and mission of operation ASPIDES, along with its assets and key accomplishments, thus fostering a greater awareness and a better understanding of the operation. Without a doubt, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES remains a crucial pillar in ensuring the stability of the region, by effectively enhancing maritime security and addressing the specific security threats.