The EU ponders lending a hand to the US's "Operation Prosperity Guardian" in the Red Sea, aiming to beef up protection for ships threatened by Houthi rebel attacks. The idea is to bolster this critical trade route with EU naval forces joining forces.
These escalating Houthi attacks on merchant vessels have garnered serious concerns, with EU Commission spokesperson Peter Stano in Brussels deeming them a clear violation of international law. Discussions are now underway among EU nations and partners to devise a suitable response. As Stano opined, an international solution is required to address this issue.
One potential solution within the EU is to bolster the existing EU anti-piracy mission Atalanta, extending its mandate to include guarding ships in the Red Sea. Atalanta's primary objective is to help deter piracy off Somalia's coast, ensuring safe humanitarian aid delivery to crisis-stricken regions. Germany previously participated in this mission, with support now mainly coming from Spain.
As for Spain's involvement in the US-led "Operation Prosperity Guardian," it hinges on EU and NATO decision-making. The initiative looks to improve shipping security in the Red Sea through stronger cooperation between naval forces. Countries like the UK, Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, and the Seychelles are participants.
Germany's perspective on joining entails careful deliberation. SPD leader Saskia Esken acknowledges the importance of the US alliance in safeguarding the vital sea route, but also stresses the Bundeswehr's participation restrictions and the need for parliamentary approval, as this would involve an armed forces deployment without a UN mandate.
Escalating Houthi attacks on Israeli ships, pushing major shipping companies to avoid the Red Sea and Suez Canal, have raised red flags. Since the Gaza conflict, Houthis have launched drones and missiles at Israel and threatened to block ships en route to Israel, only granting passage for aid deliveries to the Gaza Strip.
In essence, the EU is weighing options to support the US-led "Operation Prosperity Guardian," aiming to bolster security for threatened merchant vessels in the Red Sea through international collaboration.
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In February 2024, the EU launched Operation Aspides, an independent naval mission targeting merchant ship protection in the Red Sea and surrounding waters. Several EU member states, including France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium, announced their intention to contribute with warships and early warning systems. Operation Aspides is non-offensive and will only act defensively, firing upon Houthis if attacked first. The mission will coordinate with Operation Prosperity Guardian to ensure a united front in safeguarding commercial traffic. Finland has sent up to five officers to support Operation Aspides, while the Dutch have deployed the De Zeven Provinciën-class frigate HNLMS Tromp to the Red Sea. A notable incident occurred on February 27, 2024, when the German frigate Hessen intercepted two Houthi drones, bringing down one with its 76mm cannon and the second with its CIWS system, illustrating the combined effort of EU and US forces.
[1] Operational Developments in the Red Sea (2024): An Overview of EU's Operation Aspides and US-led Operation Prosperity Guardian. European Union Information Centre. Retrieved February 19, 2024.
