Borrell says EU mission in Red Sea may start February 17

The EU naval mission in the Red Sea, called Aspis (the ancient Greek word for a protective shield), is due to launch on February 17, but not all EU countries will take part, the head of the EU foreign policy service, Josep Borrell, said upon arrival at an informal meeting of the heads of EU defense departments, Report informs referring to TASS.

“We intend to make a decision on the EU mission in the Red Sea. Not all countries will take part in this mission, but I hope no one will block it. We will be able to launch it on February 17, but we need to decide on the location of its headquarters and about command. We already have the name of the mission - 'Aspis',” said Borrell.