EU Proposes Aspides to Lead in Hormuz Demining

The European Union's diplomatic service has proposed that its Aspides naval mission take the lead role in future mine clearance in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a document seen by Reuters.

The paper, dated 26 May, outlines how the EU would make a significant contribution to an ad hoc coalition led by France and the United Kingdom. Any deployment would take place only when conditions allow and separately from the belligerents.

The European External Action Service (EEAS) has proposed that Operation Aspides serve as the lead actor in demining the strategically important strait as part of the EU's contribution to the Franco-British initiative.

Changing the mission's mandate requires the unanimous consent of all 27 member states. It remains unclear whether they would support such a move.

(reuters, bak)