(3 Minutes Read)
There are apparent divisions among the EU on the type of stand each country should adopt to address the tensions. Differences among the group may make it difficult to pursue a cohesive Western approach to the situation
The recent tensions in the Red Sea have highlighted the challenges facing the European Union (EU) in achieving a unified stance on Middle East policies, in line with the U.S.-led naval coalition against Houthi attacks. There are apparent divisions among the EU on the type of stand each country should adopt to address the tensions. Differences among the group may make it difficult to pursue a cohesive Western approach to the situation.
The United States has put forward a proposal for an international maritime coalition to safeguard shipping lines from Iranian-backed Houthi attacks. However, so far, it has not garnered unanimous support within the EU. The U.S. and Britain have shown solidarity in this operation. What comes against forming a consensus is the cautious stand being pursued by Spain, along with other EU members like Italy and France. Their cautious and non-committal position suggests lack of a consensus in pursuing a coordinated approach to face the problem which has disrupted the cargo flows through the Red Sea.
The Spanish government, led by Defence Minister Margarita Robles, has made it clear that it will not participate militarily in the Red Sea. The European Union suggested that member states conduct military operations in the region, but Spain, along with some fellow EU countries, has refrained from endorsing such actions. This runs contrary to the unified stand of the US and Britain to fight against the Iranian-backed Houthis.
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Spanish media reports suggest that the crisis could pose a commercial risk to Spain and Europe’s economy. Some estimates put that the potential losses of up to 135 billion euros in commercial exchanges between Spain and Asia might result if the disruption continues. Increased shipping costs are the major fallout of the disruption impacting Asia-Europe maritime trade. Now cargo ships carrying goods bypass the Suez Canal and take a longer route south to the Cape of Good Hope, resulting in double the time and cost for maritime trade.
