Continuation of the Bundeswehr mission in the Red Sea (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES)

The Bundestag has approved the extension of the Bundeswehr's participation in the EU-led operation EUNAVFOR ASPIDES in the Red Sea. The mandate is limited to October 2026 and was last extended by roll-call vote in January 2025. In its application, the federal government proposes that the Bundeswehr only participate with up to 350 soldiers in the future instead of the current number of up to 700 soldiers. The area of ​​operations includes the Strait of Bab al-Mandab, the Strait of Hormuz and international waters in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. To justify the extension, the federal government points to ongoing attacks by the Houthi militia on international shipping, which are causing significant economic damage. 15 percent of global trade runs along the endangered route, which is why securing freight traffic is of economic and geostrategic importance. Operational-related additional expenses of around 23.9 million euros are expected. The Foreign Affairs Committee recommends acceptance of the application in a corresponding recommendation. The Budget Committee also presented a report on the compatibility of the deployment with the federal budget situation. The recommendation for a resolution was voted on by name. This was approved with 435 votes in favour, 69 against and 77 abstentions. Jan Dieren and Ruppert Stüwe from the SPD parliamentary group abstained. In the AfD parliamentary group there was mostly approval, but also no votes and abstentions.