Italy, France and Greece aspire to lead the EU mission in the Red Sea. The three countries also aspire to host the headquarters of Aspides, the mission proposed by the Union's External Action Service.

The EU hopes for the mission to be underway by mid-February, as explained by the EU High Representative for Foreign Policy and Security, Josep Borrell. Borrell hopes that member states that have declined to participate will not block the sending of European frigates to protect ships from Houthi attacks.