European Union doubles military support for Djibouti to 20 million euros

The European Union has doubled its financial support to the Djibouti Armed Forces, increasing the allocation from 10 million to 20 million euros through the European Peace Facility. This decision reinforces assistance measures previously approved in July 2025.

The funding is specifically aimed at strengthening the Djiboutian Navy to enhance its presence near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a strategic maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. The EU Council stated that this increase reflects a consolidating security and defense partnership intended to address the “deterioration of the security situation in the Red Sea and surrounding areas” and safeguard freedom of navigation.

The operational focus remains on three pillars: the development and maintenance of assets to ensure long-term operational capacity, the enhancement of Maritime Domain Awareness, and an increased presence at sea. This local capacity is intended to complement European naval actions in the region, such as the Eunavfor Aspides mission, which protects merchant shipping traffic.