EU announced the mission for safeguarding the Red Sea

On Monday, the European Council declared the naval mission was launched to ensure the freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Gulf. This defensive maritime security operation will encompass safeguarding important sea routes in the Baab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz, as well as international waters in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden, the Arabian Sea, the Gulf of Oman, and the Gulf. This initiative is taken as a response to the Houthi attacks in order to restore maritime security and freedom of navigation.

According to EU Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentilloni, the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea has led to a notable increase in delivery times between Asia and the EU, with delays ranging from 10 to 15 days. Consequently, this situation has resulted in an almost 400% increase in costs.