EU Plans Against Houthi Attacks
The EU’s planned military intervention in the Red Sea is now being discussed by foreign ministers at a meeting in Brussels. The objective is to secure trade ships against attacks by the Houthi militia in Yemen. What is being planned?
What is the issue?
Shipping in the Red Sea has come to a standstill in some areas. This is due to attacks by the Houthi militia in Yemen, which is supported by Iran. Since early October, they have targeted a series of trade ships in the Red Sea using rockets and drones. The militia sees itself as part of the “Axis of Resistance” against Israel in the Middle East conflict. Since December, warships from an international coalition led by the US have been attempting to secure the route along the Yemeni coast.
What is the EU planning?
According to diplomats, representatives of EU member states have given preliminary approval for their own naval mission this week. Three warships, including accompanying aircraft such as helicopters and drones, are being discussed. They are intended to escort trade ships in the Red Sea. This mission will operate independently from the international coalition, as countries like France do not want to be under the command of the US.
How is Germany participating?
The German government could deploy the German frigate “Hessen,” but this has not been officially confirmed yet. The “Hessen” has recently been involved in NATO operations in the North Atlantic and the Arctic. It has a crew of 245 soldiers.
Who else is involved?
According to media reports, Belgium and the Netherlands may also send warships. In addition, France and Italy have signaled their general support. Norway’s participation is also expected, according to EU officials. In contrast, Spain has announced that it will not participate in the EU mission. A dispute within the Spanish government coalition was considered the reason for this veto. Spain’s Defense Minister Margarita Robles recently stated that Spanish participation in an EU operation there is currently “excluded.” She mentioned that Spain is already involved in 17 peacekeeping missions worldwide.
Are there plans to attack the Houthis?
No, the mission is intended to be purely defensive, according to sources in Brussels and Berlin. “Shelling Houthi positions on land” is not part of the plans, clarified a spokesperson for the German Foreign Office. However, the US and the UK have been conducting airstrikes against the Houthi militia since last week. Intercepting missiles directly aimed at Israel is also not planned, according to the EU.
What else is known about the mandate?
According to diplomats, the EU initially plans for a one-year mandate. It is still unclear whether a completely new naval mission will be established. In this case, the German Bundestag would have to approve German participation.
What is the alternative?
According to Brussels diplomats, the EU could also expand the existing naval surveillance mission Agenor in the Strait of Hormuz. This mission, led by France, has been protecting trade ships from Iranian attacks since 2020. It is supported by Germany and eight other European countries.
When will the EU decide on the mission?
Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock (Green Party) recently stated that the EU is working “with great urgency” on the plans. However, no decision is expected on Monday in Brussels, as the details are not yet finalized. Diplomats expect the vote to take place no later than the next Foreign Ministers’ meeting on February 19th. This would be more than four months after the start of the Houthi attacks. Therefore, there is pressure for a swift decision, not just from Berlin.