The European Union has initiated a naval mission in response to the attacks carried out by Yemen's Houthi rebels on cargo ships in the Red Sea. The decision to deploy Naval Force Operation Aspides was announced by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday on [specific date withheld], with a focus on safeguarding freedom of navigation in the Red Sea. Nations including France, Germany, Italy, and Belgium have committed to contributing ships to the mission, which will operate in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and surrounding waters.

The Aspides vessels, under the operational command centre in the Greek city of Larissa, will have a defensive stance, authorized to fire on the Houthis only in case of an attack. The Houthi rebels have been targeting commercial and military shipping in the Red Sea since November, affecting global trade routes. The Houthis have broadened their targets beyond Israel-linked ships in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza to include vessels linked to the United States and the United Kingdom.

Recent attacks involved the Rubymar cargo ship and a Greece-flagged, US-owned cargo ship, highlighting the urgent need for protection of maritime activities in the region. The ongoing threats have disrupted shipping routes, causing delays in shipments between Asia and the EU by 10 to 15 days, and escalating costs by around 400 percent. The attacks have not only affected Israel but also Egypt, leading to a significant revenue loss for the Suez Canal Authority.

During a meeting of foreign ministers in Brussels, Italy's Foreign Affairs Minister Antonio Tajani emphasized the importance of this naval mission as a step towards reinforcing common European defense. The European Union's shift towards a stronger naval presence in the Red Sea aims to protect European interests and ensure the safety of vital maritime routes in the region.