European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell stated that the European Union would back the United States in its military operation in the Red Sea, signaling the bloc’s willingness to cooperate on a regional security initiative. He shared the update through social networks, emphasizing the EU’s alignment with the United States on maritime security concerns in the area.
He noted that the Houthis have engaged in actions that threaten freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. During an extraordinary meeting of the Permanent Representatives of the EU, which he convened, Member States agreed to contribute to the U.S. operation Welfare Guardian through the framework of Operation Atalanta. The aim is to bolster maritime safety and deter disruptions to commercial shipping lanes in a critical global chokepoint.
Prior to this development, the United States had signaled collaboration with several allies to help create and maintain a safe corridor for merchant vessels traversing the Red Sea. The international effort seeks to reduce risk to civilian shipping and preserve uninterrupted access to one of the world’s busiest trade routes.
The Pentagon announced that the military operation, Prosperity Sentinel, is a fortified naval presence designed to protect commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Its objective includes establishing and maintaining safe passages for vessels as part of a broader coalition effort with multiple partner nations. This approach reflects a shared priority among the involved states to safeguard international trade routes and ensure maritime security in a geopolitically sensitive region.
Israel’s role in the operation against the Houthis in the Red Sea has not been dismissed, signaling a potential broader involvement or coordination with regional partners as the initiative evolves. These developments reflect a complex and rapidly shifting security landscape in the region, where alliances may adapt as circumstances unfold.