Future naval military operation of the European Union in the Red Sea takes shape. Although there was no official decision from the Twenty-Seven this Monday, the principle that the EU should be present in the region has already been “accepted” and Military experts’ preparations continue. According to diplomatic sources, at least “six European countries” have indicated their intention to participate. Germany, Italy and BelgiumThe mission is expected to be approved at the meeting of foreign ministers. February 19by proxy ensuring the safety of commercial ships and including the possibility of navigation in the area, Shoot down drones and missiles at sea It was started by the Houthi rebels in Yemen.
The Twenty-Sevens are working with the idea of starting the mission as soon as possible. The EU Political and Security Committee (COPS) met this week to determine the needs, and Member States are now awaiting advice from military experts on operational details and military preparations needed. “It’s going pretty well. One of the most important questions for us is how quickly we can launch the mission. Every day we gain is good, so we’ll see how to speed up the process,” explains a senior official. countries primarily interested in participating.
According to other sources reviewed “high degree of consensus” It is meant to be used as a starting point on the need to act quickly and pragmatically between Member States. Operation AjanorA maritime surveillance mission in which they currently participate, tasked for three years to guarantee navigation between the Iranian-controlled Strait of Hormuz and the Gulf of Oman Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, Norway and Portugal under the leadership France.
Using this existing process will save time and speed up startup. A senior European official did not set a specific deadline, but said: “If talks are productive, the operation could be launched soon.” Countries like Belgium They confirmed their intention to send the frigate Luisa María this Friday, and it is stated that the same is also being considered. Germany It is stated that if the Federal Parliament takes a step back, the frigate deployed in the Eastern Mediterranean may be diverted to the Red Sea. Other countries that will contribute to the mission France and Italy While Norway can participate.
administrative mission
The proposal put forward by the head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, It refers to an administrative mission that would involve the use of force, although half a dozen sources consulted indicate that. Targets on Yemeni territory will not be attackedJust like the United States and the United Kingdom did within the framework of Operation Guardians of Prosperity. They insist that “the mission will respond to rockets and drones launched against ships.” The EU’s intention is to use the Atalanta operation it participated in against piracy. Spain They use a frigate that has been developing off the coast of Somalia for 15 years as a model, but they realize it is something “more complex”.
Just like last December, Borrell raised the possibility of extending this period. Atalanta mission despite Spain Opposed. According to the statement of European diplomatic sources, the Spanish Government announced that it would not participate in the new mission “even though it is not a problem”. “We participate in all missions and what we cannot be everywhere,” Spanish diplomatic sources explain.
Beyond the mission in the Red Sea, foreign ministers will spend Monday talking about the Middle East and the situation in Ukraine. Half a dozen foreign ministers, including Israeli and Palestinian, will travel to Brussels to discuss the issue. situation Loop and West Bank, post-conflict scenario and the future role of the Palestinian Authority. New sanctions against Hamas will also be on the table to curb its financing and punish violent settlers. The meeting will also serve to evaluate the issues. situation in Ukraine and talk to the foreign minister Dimitro KulebaOne of the most urgent military needs.