Eastern EU states signal support for potential Hormuz mission

Eastern European Union member states have indicated readiness to contribute to a potential European maritime mission aimed at securing the Strait of Hormuz, while cautioning that any such deployment must not reduce attention to security threats from Russia and Belarus.

Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said on 13 May that Vilnius supports a “360-degree” approach to European security, including participation in a Hormuz operation, according to Euractiv.

“This mission is very important for Greece, Italy, other countries, and for Lithuania too,” he said. “But we also must show the rest of Europe that right now the biggest threat comes from the east, from Russia and Belarus.”

Neighbouring Latvia has also signalled preparedness to contribute capabilities to a possible mission, according to Euractiv. Latvia is already involved in Operation Aspides, an EU maritime deployment launched in 2024 to protect shipping in the Red Sea from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

The discussions come as Western governments work on plans to ensure the security of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes.

France and the United Kingdom are leading a “coalition of the willing” involving more than 40 countries exploring military options to secure maritime traffic once conditions in the Middle East allow.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has proposed expanding the mandate of Operation Aspides to include the Strait of Hormuz, arguing it could serve as the EU’s contribution to the broader coalition effort.

Speaking after an EU defence ministers’ meeting in Brussels on 12 May, Kallas said Aspides could be extended without changing its mandate, requiring only an updated operational plan. She also noted that several member states have expressed willingness to provide additional naval assets.

Greece currently hosts the mission’s operational headquarters, while France, Italy and Germany were among the first contributors. Belgium, the Netherlands and Sweden have also provided personnel or support.

According to two EU diplomatic sources cited by Euractiv, three additional member states signalled readiness during the May 12 meeting to contribute assets, although no formal commitments of extra vessels have yet been announced publicly.

By Sabina Mammadli