EU Plans Red Sea Naval Mission to Safeguard Ships

The European Union is preparing to deploy a naval mission in the Red Sea within the next three weeks. This mission aims to protect cargo ships from assaults by Yemen’s Houthi rebels, which have been disrupting trade and contributing to rising costs. EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell emphasized the urgency of the mission, aiming for it to be operational by February 17. Several EU countries, including Belgium and Germany, are set to contribute ships or aircraft to this effort.

The initiative follows recent coordinated attacks by the U.S. and British forces against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been consistently targeting commercial ships with drone and missile attacks. This offensive by the Houthis began with the onset of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October.

Borrell clarified that the EU’s naval mission will focus solely on defending ships from Houthi attacks and will not engage in military action against the rebels. The mission’s primary objective is to intercept attacks on ships and ensure their safe passage, without participating in direct confrontations with the Houthis.

EU defense ministers were to decide which member country would lead the naval effort and the location of the mission’s headquarters. France, Greece, and Italy were among the contenders for leadership roles in this mission.

Borrell also highlighted the commercial impact of the Houthi attacks. The disruption in Red Sea shipping routes has forced businesses to find alternate, longer routes, such as passing around South Africa, significantly increasing costs. This has led to broader economic consequences, affecting prices and contributing to inflation. The EU’s naval mission is a response to these challenges, aiming to secure the vital trade route and mitigate its impact on European businesses and economies.