Informal meetings of EU defense ministers conclude

Defense ministers from EU countries will meet today in Brussels to discuss ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. 

Topics likely to be on the agenda include the ongoing conflict in Gaza and continuous attacks by the Houthis on vessels transiting the Red Sea in response to Israel’s war on Hamas. Two French and one Danish air-defense frigates have already been sent to the Suez Canal to safeguard shipping in the Red Sea after the oil tanker was hit by a Houthi missile. Belgium intends to join these efforts, and there’s a possibility that the European Union will establish a comprehensive mission to ensure maritime security in the region. Discussions during the meeting may focus on involving other European countries to strengthen the EU’s military presence in the Middle East seas, along with arranging the next delivery of frigates to the Red Sea to counter drone and missile attacks from the Houthis. 

The EU’s involvement would exert additional diplomatic pressure on the Houthis to cease their attacks. The conflict is expected to become multilateralised with the US taking the lead and the EU providing support.