On Tuesday, the member states of the European Union tentatively approved the idea of creating a maritime mission to protect commercial ships from attacks by the Yemeni group “Houthis” in the Red Sea.
This decision comes after the United States launched a mission in the region.
European diplomats reported that the EU’s Political and Security Committee, responsible for the bloc’s foreign and defense policy, has provided initial support for the mission, which will collaborate with partners who support the idea.
The goal is to establish the mission no later than February 19th, with operations commencing shortly thereafter.
Foreign ministers are expected to discuss the matter on January 22nd.
Western reports indicate that this European proposal has been under consideration in Brussels for weeks, preceding recent US and British airstrikes targeting Houthi-related sites.
Last year, the EU considered expanding the “Atalanta” operation, focused on the protection of maritime navigation off the coast of Somalia. However, Spain thwarted this initiative.
The “Houthis,” who control parts of Yemen, have been launching missile and drone attacks since November 19th near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, separating the Arabian Peninsula from Africa, according to the US military.
Many shipping companies have diverted their ships away from the Red Sea following Houthi attacks in Yemen-controlled areas.
The group claims to act in solidarity with Palestinians while the conflict between Israel and Hamas intensifies in Gaza.
European experts have warned that the current situation in the Red Sea, while not currently impacting energy prices and inflation, should be closely monitored as potential consequences could emerge in the coming weeks.
Some experts believe that the EU’s largest economy will remain in a recession this year due to rising interest rates, global demand slowdown, and energy costs.
