Kallas warns EU cannot afford to lose key trade routes

The European Union must step up its Aspides maritime mission as part of a broader effort to protect key sea lanes from disruption caused by the US- and Israeli-led war with Iran, the bloc’s foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, has said.

She made the remarks after joining a call with more than 40 countries, convened by British Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, to discuss coordinated action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

‘I thank Yvette Cooper for convening a call of more than 40 countries on the Strait of Hormuz. This waterway is a global public good. Iran cannot be allowed to charge countries a bounty for releasing ships. International law does not recognise pay-to-pass schemes,’ Kallas wrote on X.

She said the EU was pursuing diplomatic, economic and security measures to restore safe navigation while working closely with the shipping industry.

‘The EU’s Aspides maritime mission has already assisted 1,700 ships in the Red Sea and its work needs to be expanded. We cannot afford to lose another key trade route,’ she added.

(reuters, max)