The European Union plans to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea within three weeks to protect cargo ships from attacks by Yemeni Houthi rebels, who are disrupting trade and raising prices, the EU’s top diplomat said. It was announced on Wednesday.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he wanted the mission to be up and running by February 17. Officials said seven EU countries were ready to provide ships and aircraft. Belgium has already committed to sending a frigate. Germany is expected to do the same.
Last week, American and British forces bombed eight targets used by the Iranian-backed Houthis. This is the second time that the two allies have launched a coordinated retaliatory strike against rebel missile capabilities.
Since the Israeli-Hamas war began in October, the Houthis have continued to carry out persistent drone and missile attacks on commercial ships, but Borrell insisted the EU delegation would not take part in any military attacks.
“This is the objective, the protection of ships. Prevent attacks on ships. We will not take part in any kind of action against the Houthis. We will only prevent Houthi attacks,” Borrell told a meeting of EU defense ministers in Brussels. He spoke to reporters before taking the chair.
Ministers are expected to decide later on Wednesday which member state should lead the naval effort – France, Greece and Italy are vying for the role – and where the mission should be headquartered.
Mr Borrell said businesses were demanding EU action given the trade implications of merchant ships being forced to bypass the Red Sea to and from Europe.
Referring to the alternative route taken by merchant ships, he said: “A lot of European companies have asked us to do that. Their business model has been disrupted by a huge increase in costs and having to go to South Africa.” It’s because we’ve been hit hard,” he said. “It’s affecting prices and inflation. So it’s a natural effort for us to try to avoid this risk.”
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