The European Community Shipowners’ Associations (ECSA) welcomed, on Thursday 21 December, the EU’s announcement that it will contribute to the US operation Prosperity Guardian through the EU’s military operation to maritime security in the Western Indian Ocean and Red Sea (EUNAVFOR Atalanta), by intensifying information sharing and by increasing presence with additional naval assets.
“This decision is a positive step to address the security challenges in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden”, according to an ECSA press release.
“The recent attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea area are deeply concerning. We welcome the enhanced EU engagement and international cooperation, and we strongly urge immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of our seafarers and the security of commercial vessels transiting through the area”, said ECSA’s Secretary General, Sotiris Raptis.
On 19 December, the United States, the High Representative of the Union, Josep Borrell, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and 44 allied and partner countries condemned the Houthis’ interference in the rights and freedoms of navigation in the waters surrounding the Arabian Peninsula, in particular the Red Sea.
For further information: https://aeur.eu/f/a7m (Original version in French by Lionel Changeur)