Brussels, February 3-7, 2025 – Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis (EL N), Commander of the European Union Naval Force (EUNAVFOR) Operation ASPIDES, participated in the Annual EU Ambassadors Conference in Brussels from February 3-7, 2025. He engaged with key EU officials to highlight ASPIDES’ vital role in maritime security and its alignment with the EU’s broader foreign and security policy objectives.

1. Enhancing Cooperation in the MENA Region

On February 6, Rear Admiral Gryparis met with Hélène Le Gal, Managing Director for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) at the European External Action Service (EEAS). Their discussions focused on strengthening collaboration between ASPIDES and EU Delegations in the MENA region, ensuring a coordinated approach to maritime security and regional stability. Both parties emphasized the importance of working closely with coastal states to enhance security cooperation and address emerging challenges in the region.

2. Aligning ASPIDES with EU Security Priorities

Rear Admiral Gryparis participated in meetings with Mathieu Briens, Deputy Managing Director for Africa at EEAS, Cosmin Dobran, Director for Peace, Partnerships, and Crisis Management at EEAS, and European Union Special Representative (EUSR) for the Gulf, Luigi Di Maio.

They highlighted the importance of aligning ASPIDES’ operations with the EU’s security initiatives in the region, reinforcing the operation’s role in safeguarding maritime routes and supporting regional stability efforts. They also emphasized ASPIDES’ contribution to the EU’s Integrated Crisis Response, where military, diplomatic, and intelligence components work together to enhance security and crisis management effectiveness.

EUSR Di Maio provided insights into the evolving security landscape in the Gulf region and the role of ASPIDES in protecting maritime security in key strategic areas. The parties agreed on the necessity of deepening coordination between EU operations, diplomatic efforts, and regional partnerships to effectively respond to emerging threats.

During his engagements, Rear Admiral Gryparis reaffirmed the strategic importance of ASPIDES in ensuring the security of global maritime trade routes. He highlighted the operation’s role in supporting EU efforts, reinforcing the EU’s position as a key global security provider.

3.Strengthening EU Institutional Support for ASPIDES

Rear Admiral Gryparis also met with Charles Fries, Deputy Secretary-General for Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP) and Crisis Response at EEAS. The discussion focused on enhancing the institutional support necessary for ASPIDES to operate effectively as part of the EU’s broader security and defense initiatives.

A Unified Approach to Global Security

The engagements at the Annual EU Ambassadors Conference underscored the European Union’s commitment to a comprehensive approach to security, integrating military operations with diplomatic and political initiatives. Rear Admiral Gryparis reaffirmed ASPIDES’ dedication to protecting vital maritime routes, enhancing international partnerships, and contributing to global stability through EU-led security efforts.