Council Decision (CFSP) 2025/334 of 14 February 2025 amending Decision (CFSP) 2024/583 on a European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES)

‘6 In order to ensure maritime situational awareness in the Area of Operation, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES shall collect information, in addition to data necessary to protect vessels, on arms trafficking and on shadow fleets, with a view to sharing that information with Member States, the Commission, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL), the European Union Agency for Law Enforcement Cooperation (EUROPOL) and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), as appropriate.’

‘5 EUNAVFOR ASPIDES shall liaise closely with the shipping industry, in particular through the Maritime Security Centre – Indian Ocean (MSC IO).’

‘3 The financial reference amount for the common costs of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES for the period from 19 February 2025 until 28 February 2026 shall be EUR 17400000. The percentage of the reference amount referred to in Article 51(2) of Decision (CFSP) 2021/509 shall be 20 % for commitments and 20 % for payments.’

‘3a The HR is hereby authorised to exchange information, as appropriate and in accordance with the operational needs of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, with the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) up to the level provided for in the Agreement between the European Union and NATO on the Security of Information .

3b The HR is hereby authorised to exchange information gathered on illegal activities during the course of the operations of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES with the UNODC, INTERPOL and EUROPOL. The release of personal data, if any, shall be carried out in accordance with the law of the State of the vessel or aircraft processing such personal data.

‘4 The release and exchange of information referred to in this Article shall be conducted in full respect of the principles of reciprocity and inclusiveness. Classified information received shall be handled by EUNAVFOR ASPIDES irrespective of the nationality of individual members of staff and solely on the basis of operational requirements.’

‘2 EUNAVFOR ASPIDES shall end on 28 February 2026.’

‘3 A strategic review of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES shall be conducted in 2025, synchronised with a strategic assessment of EUNAVFOR ATALANTA.’.

This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.