Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2026/514 of 3 March 2026 on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for the European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES/2/2026)
Date: 2026-03-03
Institutions: Political and Security Committee
Subjects: EU military mission, Red Sea, appointment of members, deterrent, freedom of navigation, maritime safety, maritime shipping, military personnel, piracy








L_202600514EN.000101.fmx.xml












Official Journal of the European Union


EN
L series













2026/514


10.3.2026







            POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE DECISION (CFSP) 2026/514
         
of 3 March 2026
         
on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for the European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES/2/2026)


THE POLITICAL AND SECURITY COMMITTEE,

Having regard to the Treaty on European Union, and in particular Article 38 thereof,


Having regard to Council Decision (CFSP) 2024/583 of 8 February 2024 on a European Union military maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) (1), and in particular Article 4(2) thereof,

Whereas:







(1)


On 8 February 2024, the Council adopted Decision (CFSP) 2024/583, which established a European Union military maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES).












(2)


Pursuant to Article 4(2) of Decision (CFSP) 2024/583, the Council authorised the Political and Security Committee (PSC) to take decisions on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for EUNAVFOR ASPIDES (the ‘EU Force Commander’).












(3)


On 24 February 2026, the PSC adopted Decision (CFSP) 2026/495 (2), appointing Commodore Grigorios NOUSIAS as the EU Force Commander for the period from 18 February 2026 to 14 March 2026.












(4)


On 3 February 2026, the Italian Military authorities proposed the appointment of Captain Milos ARGENTON to succeed Commodore Grigorios NOUSIAS as the EU Force Commander (the ‘proposed appointment’). The Italian Military authorities indicated that Captain Milos ARGENTON will be promoted Rear Admiral upon his appointment.












(5)


On 4 February 2026, the EU Operation Commander of EUNAVFOR ASPIDES supported the proposed appointment as from 14 March 2026.












(6)


On 6 February 2026, the EU Military Committee supported the proposed appointment and agreed that Rear Admiral Milos ARGENTON be appointed as EU Force Commander.












(7)


A decision on the appointment of Rear Admiral Milos ARGENTON as the EU Force Commander should be taken.





HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION:



Article 1
Rear Admiral Milos ARGENTON is appointed as EU Force Commander for the European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) as from 14 March 2026.


Article 2
This Decision shall enter into force on the date of its adoption.
It shall apply from 14 March 2026.




Done at Brussels, 3 March 2026.


For the Political and Security Committee


The Chairperson

L. MANDEL VENSILD
            





(1)  
            OJ L, 2024/583, 12.2.2024, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2024/583/oj.

(2)  Political and Security Committee Decision (CFSP) 2026/495 of 24 February 2026 on the appointment of the EU Force Commander for the European Union maritime security operation to safeguard freedom of navigation in relation to the Red Sea crisis (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES) and repealing Decision (CFSP) 2025/2217 (EUNAVFOR ASPIDES/1/2026) (OJ L, 2026/495, 4.3.2026, ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/495/oj).


ELI: http://data.europa.eu/eli/dec/2026/514/oj
ISSN 1977-0677 (electronic edition)