The European Union (EU) is gearing up to join the US initiative aimed at safeguarding merchant vessels in the Red Sea. As reported by Deutsche Presse-Agentur, EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has put forth a proposal to extend the mandate of the existing anti-piracy operation, Atalanta, for this purpose. This proposition is currently under review by the 27 EU member states and is expected to be formalized shortly.
During an EU meeting on Thursday, only Spain voiced reservations about adjusting the mandate. However, Brussels is optimistic that Madrid will swiftly resolve its internal political differences, allowing for seamless participation.
The US-led initiative, dubbed "Prosperity Guardian," aims to beef up international military presence in the Red Sea. The motive behind this mission stems from repeated attacks on ships by Iran-backed Houthi rebels, aimed at disrupting passage towards Israel. The Houthis' objective is to force Israel to cease its attacks on Gaza.
Germany, among other EU nations, has advocated for an EU mandate for involvement in this US initiative. The proposed EU mandate would enable warships from EU member states to participate in monitoring the Red Sea and potentially escort merchant vessels equipped with defense systems against missiles and threats. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that the EU will engage in proactive military operations against Houthi rebels.
EU's anti-piracy operation Atalanta, previously supported by the German military, has a mission to deter and combat piracy off the Somali coast and facilitate the safe delivery of humanitarian aid to crisis-stricken Somalia. The operation, initially established in 2008, has a mandate that extends until 2026.
In Madrid, the Spanish Ministry of Defense declared that Spain's involvement hinges on collective decisions from both the EU and NATO. Factoring in recent attacks in the Indian Ocean, the Spanish Ministry of Defense highlighted the importance of continuing the anti-piracy operation in that region as well.
Further Insights
Despite ongoing conflicts and the growing international involvement, the Defense sector becomes a significant focus for numerous EU countries. Diplomats are working tirelessly to maintain regional peace and stability. Several EU states have already pledged bilateral support for the US initiative, with Germany advocating for an EU mandate to participate.
Meanwhile, the EU's EUNAVFOR ASPIDES operation, currently involved in securing merchant shipping in the Red Sea, will continue until February 28, 2026. Established in 2024, the operation has been extended to improve maritime situational awareness and intelligence gathering on arms trafficking and shadow fleets. EUNAVFOR ASPIDES shares intelligence with various international bodies, such as EU member states, the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), INTERPOL, EUROPOL, and the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).
Although Operation Prosperity Guardian and EUNAVFOR ASPIDES share goals, they differ in their scope, with the former focusing on a comprehensive military response to Houthi attacks, including airstrikes, and the latter on intelligence gathering and maritime security.
