Ursula von der Leyen: The EU Plans to Expand the Scope of the Red Sea Escort Mission

On April 24 local time, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that the EU is considering expanding the scope of the EU Naval Operation "Atalanta" (EU Red Sea Escort Operation) to gradually develop from a primarily escort mission into a more collaborative joint maritime operation.

The EU officially launched the Red Sea Escort Operation in February 2024. A statement released by the EU Council indicated that the operation aims to maintain maritime security in the Red Sea and surrounding waters and ensure freedom of navigation, particularly for commercial vessels. On March 1 of this year, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated that the EU would deploy additional vessels to the EU Naval Operation "Atalanta" to enhance maritime security. (Reporter Liu Chuanjuan from the Central Radio and Television Station)