EUNAVFOR ASPIDES: Visit of the EU Politico-Military Group

EUNAVFOR ASPIDES: Visit of the EU Politico-Military Group

On October 1st, the Politico-Military Group (PMG) Chairman, Mr. Linas Linkevicius, and other PMG members visited the Operations Headquarters of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES in Larissa.

The PMG supports the Political and Security Committee by preparing work on the political aspects of EU military and civil-military matters under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP).

Welcomed at the Hellenic First Army/EU-OHQ "ACHILLES" by Commander Lieutenant General Stavros Papastathopoulos (EL A) and Rear Admiral Vasileios Gryparis (EL N), Commander of Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, the delegation received an update on the mission.

As an EU CSDP operation, EUNAVFOR ASPIDES plays a key role in maritime security, contributing to the freedom of navigation and to the safety of seafarers.

During the visit, Rear Admiral Gryparis provided a comprehensive briefing on the EL-EU/OHQ's role and fuctions as well as on Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES' mission, organizational structure, and current activities. The briefing emphasized the operation's strategic relevance and contribution to Red Sea maritime safety and security.

The delegation toured the operational facilities and was familiarized with the command and coordination mechanisms that underpin the operation's effectiveness. As part of the engagement, a video teleconference was conducted with Force Commander (FCdr) of Operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES, Rear Admiral Andrea Quondamatteo (IT N), allowing the delegation to observe operational coordination in real time. This interaction allowed for a detailed discussion of the mission's objectives, mandate, and the regional security environment, further reinforcing the link between strategic oversight and operational execution.

The visit highlighted the European Union's enduring commitment to EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and underscored the importance of multinational cooperation in maintaining maritime security in the region.