BRUSSELS — In a major move to bolster maritime security and safeguard global trade routes, the European Council announced on March 30, 2026, an expansion of its key naval operations in the Red Sea and Western Indian Ocean. Under the updated mandate, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES will broaden its role from protecting shipping lanes to actively identifying and gathering intelligence on suspicious activities targeting critical undersea infrastructure, such as fiber-optic data cables and energy pipelines. Operation ATALANTA will similarly shift its priorities to monitor arms trafficking and potential maritime sabotage. The expansion reflects the EU's commitment to countering asymmetric threats and 'shadow fleets' that have recently jeopardized regional stability and the integrity of international waters. EU officials emphasized that these measures are vital for maintaining the resilience of global supply chains and the security of vital data links connecting Europe and Asia.