Why Greece supported the European "no" to Hormuz: The dangers of sending warships to the Straits

The discussion on a possible European naval presence in the Strait of Hormuz was closed – at least for the time being – in Brussels, with the European Union foreign ministers ultimately not raising the issue of extending the EUNAVFOR ASPIDES mission to the Persian Gulf. This decision reflects the cautious attitude of several member states, including Greece, which do not wish to send warships to an already highly volatile region.

The issue had come to the fore after a Financial Times report, according to which the possibility was being considered that the head of European diplomacy, Kaia Kallas, would raise with foreign ministers the possibility of extending the “Shields” mission to the Strait of Hormuz, with the aim of protecting international shipping. The discussion was also linked to pressure exerted on European allies to contribute militarily to securing passage through the strait.

Despite this pressure, the European ministers did not proceed with such a decision. As reported by diplomatic sources, the majority of member states do not want military involvement in the region. The United Kingdom, which also appeared cautious towards the idea of ​​sending warships, also moved in the same direction.

“This war is not Europe’s, it was not started by the European Union,” stressed Kaja Kalas

After the end of the meeting, EU High Representative Kaja Kalas clarified that there is no willingness from member states to expand the operation’s mandate. The “Shields” mission, created in 2024, will continue to operate in the Red Sea, with a defensive nature and the mission of protecting commercial ships from Houthi attacks.

However, she underlined the importance of the region for the global economy. “This war is not Europe’s, it was not started by the European Union. However, its interests are affected. 20% of oil and natural gas passes through there, as well as a large part of the fertilizers heading to Asia and Africa. If we don’t have fertilizers this year, next year we may have famine,” she noted.

According to her, the ministers agreed to send a message of de-escalation, but also to seek ways – in coordination with international partners – to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.

This development is largely in agreement with Athens. The Greek side had from the beginning appeared cautious towards the possibility of deploying European naval forces in Hormuz, underlining that there is currently no relevant European mission and that Greece does not intend to send warships to the region.

Greece's cautious stance is based primarily on political reasons. The government has set as a red line the avoidance of the country's involvement in the war, insisting on the need for de-escalation, a return to diplomacy and the search for a political solution. The government spokesman also moved along the same line, reiterating that Greece does not want military involvement in the conflict, while supporting any initiative that contributes to de-escalation and ensuring freedom of navigation.

This stance had already become apparent after the recent tripartite meeting in Nicosia, where French President Emmanuel Macron had referred to the need for a European initiative for the security of the sea lanes. At that time, government sources had made it clear that there was no mission in Hormuz and that Greece did not intend to send warships to the region.

At the same time, operational factors also play an important role. Greece is already actively participating in Operation Shield in the Red Sea, where – on the ground – the greatest burden has fallen mainly on the Greek and Italian navies.

At the same time, an operational issue is also raised for the Navy. Of the frigates equipped with anti-drone systems – in addition to the new frigate "Kimon" – two are already deployed outside Greek waters: the frigate "Psara" in Cyprus and the frigate "Hydra" in the EU mission in the Red Sea.