The European Union (EU) has officially requested its member states to bolster military assets to ensure safety in the Red Sea, a crucial maritime transport route in the Middle East. This request comes as security threats from the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels have intensified, leading to a significant shortfall in operational capabilities.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell stated on September 22, following a meeting of foreign ministers in New York, that "the crisis level in the Red Sea has sharply increased, making the deployment of naval and air forces urgent," urging member states to participate.
Since 2024, the EU has been conducting Operation Aspides to support the safe passage of commercial vessels in the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait area. However, Borrell pointed out that to fulfill this mission effectively, at least 10 combat ships need to be stationed, a target that is currently not being met.
According to reports from Reuters and others, the number of deployed vessels remains limited to six, sent by countries such as Italy and Greece.
The lack of naval presence has become more pronounced as the Houthi rebels rapidly expand their influence along the Red Sea coast. Disruption in these maritime chokepoints could lead to logistical challenges, directly impacting the European economy through rising oil prices.
Borrell warned, "If key maritime points like the Black Sea, Hormuz, and Bab-el-Mandeb Strait are destabilized, the repercussions will be felt globally," and urged member states to actively discuss plans to expand operational support at upcoming ministerial meetings.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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