{"id":2193170,"date":"2026-10-12T16:33:50","date_gmt":"2026-10-12T13:33:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2193170"},"modified":"2026-10-12T16:33:50","modified_gmt":"2026-10-12T13:33:50","slug":"eu-struggles-to-ramp-up-red-sea-mission-as-houthis-escalate-attacks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=2193170","title":{"rendered":"EU struggles to ramp up Red Sea mission as Houthis escalate attacks"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/89\/33\/1200x675_cmsv2_35c1cfec-62dc-5bab-8d8c-69bb0c0cf712-9948933.jpg&#8221;]<\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2932907-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2932907\" data-cid=\"9948538\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2932907-label-pos1-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/83\/30\/189x106_cmsv2_3c05c45d-9895-5043-a155-504b4e30d8e9-9948330.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Work begins on Portugal&apos;s high-speed rail line\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Portugal begins high-speed rail construction between Lisbon and Porto\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2933108-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1\" data-nid=\"2933108\" data-cid=\"9949432\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2933108-label-pos2-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/94\/32\/189x106_cmsv2_255faccb-724f-5cbe-a17b-5d16ddab8065-9949432.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier is seen off the shore of the Faliro suburb, in Athens, Greece, Thursday, March 24, 2022.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    French navy intercepts and boards &#8216;shadow fleet&#8217; ship, Macron says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2932991-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2932991\" data-cid=\"9949418\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2932991-label-pos3-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/88\/64\/189x106_cmsv2_84994b24-42b5-5074-96d9-a38ff26a435f-9948864.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Citro\u00ebn\u2019s new 2CV Concept, inspired by its iconic ancestor.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Citro\u00ebn&#8217;s iconic 2CV returns as an all-electric model\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2933091-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-1 m-modeDesktop-1 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2933091\" data-cid=\"9949330\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2933091-label-pos4-c-latest-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/93\/30\/189x106_cmsv2_aa67adb2-3477-5e9e-8b18-03620a35fb53-9949330.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Recovered paintings &quot;Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano&quot;, right, and &quot;Young Woman at the Well,&quot; stolen from the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Investigators use DNA and vehicle tracking to recover stolen Renoirs\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2932907-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2\" data-nid=\"2932907\" data-cid=\"9948538\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2932907-label-pos1-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/83\/30\/189x106_cmsv2_3c05c45d-9895-5043-a155-504b4e30d8e9-9948330.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Work begins on Portugal&apos;s high-speed rail line\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Portugal begins high-speed rail construction between Lisbon and Porto\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2933108-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2\" data-nid=\"2933108\" data-cid=\"9949432\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2933108-label-pos2-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/94\/32\/189x106_cmsv2_255faccb-724f-5cbe-a17b-5d16ddab8065-9949432.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier is seen off the shore of the Faliro suburb, in Athens, Greece, Thursday, March 24, 2022.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    French navy intercepts and boards &#8216;shadow fleet&#8217; ship, Macron says\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2932991-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2932991\" data-cid=\"9949418\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2932991-label-pos3-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/88\/64\/189x106_cmsv2_84994b24-42b5-5074-96d9-a38ff26a435f-9948864.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Citro\u00ebn\u2019s new 2CV Concept, inspired by its iconic ancestor.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Economy<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Citro\u00ebn&#8217;s iconic 2CV returns as an all-electric model\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2933091-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--has-video\" data-nid=\"2933091\" data-cid=\"9949330\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2933091-label-pos4-c-latest-stories-sidebar\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/93\/30\/189x106_cmsv2_aa67adb2-3477-5e9e-8b18-03620a35fb53-9949330.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Recovered paintings &quot;Portrait of Madame Colonna Romano&quot;, right, and &quot;Young Woman at the Well,&quot; stolen from the Renoir Museum in Cagnes-sur-Mer.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n                    Europe News<\/p>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Investigators use DNA and vehicle tracking to recover stolen Renoirs\n  <\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article class=\"helper-site-row o-article-newsy\">\n<div class=\"helper-site-container o-article-newsy__container\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__main\">\n<header class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__header\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumbs\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs\">\n<div id=\"adb-article-breadcrumb\" class=\"c-article-breadcrumbs__list\">\n<p>                          Europe<\/p>\n<p>                          Europe News<\/p><\/div>\n<\/nav>\n<h1 class=\"c-article-redesign-title\">\n                            EU struggles to ramp up Red Sea mission as Houthis escalate attacks<\/h1>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-video u-position-relative \">\n<div class=\"js-superdiv u-aspect-ratio-16x9 u-position-relative \" data-controller=\"video-player\" data-sponsored=\"Partner content\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"js-poster-img c-article-media__img\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/89\/33\/1536x864_cmsv2_35c1cfec-62dc-5bab-8d8c-69bb0c0cf712-9948933.jpg\" width=\"1536\" height=\"864\" loading=\"eager\" alt=\"European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, left, speaks with Italy&apos;s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto during a meeting of European Union defense ministers.\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-caption u-position-absolute\"><i id=\"article-caption-content\" class=\"c-article-caption__content\"><span class=\"c-article-caption__text\"><br \/>\n              European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, left, speaks with Italy&#8217;s Defense Minister Guido Crosetto during a meeting of European Union defense ministers.<br \/>\n                    <span class=\"u-color-white\">&#8211;\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__copyright\">Copyright\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"c-article-caption__credit\">AP Photo\/ Harry Nakos<\/span><\/span><\/i><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-image-copyright c-article-image-copyright--novideo\">\n      Copyright\u00a0AP Photo\/ Harry Nakos\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"h-grid o-article-newsy__main__body u-article-content\">\n<div class=\"o-article-newsy__contributors-publication-date\">\n<div class=\"c-article-contributors\">\n  By&amp;nbspLuca Bertuzzi\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-publication-date\" data-timestamp=\"1791822830\">\n         Published on<br \/>\n            <time datetime=\"2026-10-12 18:33:50 +02:00\">12\/10\/2026 &#8211; 18:33 GMT+2<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay js-c-article-share-comment-popup-overlay u-display-none\">\n<div 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loading=\"lazy\"><span>Threads<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-threads.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"threads\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><span class=\"u-display-flex u-gap-1 u-show-for-mobile-only\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"24\" height=\"24\" alt=\"whatsapp\" loading=\"lazy\"><span>Whatsapp<\/span><\/span><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/vector\/social-icons\/article-redesign-whatsapp.svg\" width=\"48\" height=\"48\" alt=\"whatsapp\" class=\"u-show-for-desktop\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"c-article-summary\">\n        The EU and Italy are pushing member states to bolster the Aspides naval mission in the Red Sea, but only two more warships have been pledged, exposing Europe\u2019s thin defence capabilities as the Houthis threaten energy supply routes.<br \/>\n    <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-content js-article-content\">\n<p>The EU\u2019s Red Sea naval mission is struggling to attract reinforcements, with only the Netherlands and Belgium offering one extra vessel each, while the Houthis escalate their attacks on Riyadh.<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt loading=\"lazy\"><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Italy has been driving the push to bolster Aspides, the EU naval operation launched in February 2024 to secure navigation in the Red Sea. But little extra capacity has materialised, and the security situation has worsened.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;We need at least ten ships, and we are not there. But today we also heard from a few member states that the discussion is ongoing,&#8221; EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas said at a press conference after the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday. <\/p>\n<p>&#8220;So I hope that the ships the operation actually needs will materialise, because if we want to be a credible security provider in the region, then we need to have a credible mission,&#8221; she added.<\/p>\n<p>On 19 September, Kallas sent a letter to European capitals asking member states for additional naval and air assets to strengthen the EU\u2019s presence in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for energy supply. <\/p>\n<p>The initiative followed an Italian request, after an Italian frigate had to escort an Italian merchant vessel off Yemen\u2019s coast. Since it became operational, Aspides has escorted hundreds of vessels in the Red Sea.<\/p>\n<p>In recent days, the Houthis, a Yemeni armed group backed by Iran, have launched a series of strikes on Saudi Arabia, hitting Riyadh\u2019s international airport and causing a total of 14 deaths and more than 300 injuries.<\/p>\n<p>The mission was set up after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war and a surge in attacks on merchant vessels. In the past weeks, the situation in Yemen has further deteriorated, threatening vital international trade routes.<\/p>\n<p>Earlier this month, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told the UAE-based outlet The National that Rome was willing to increase its contribution, but only once other EU countries showed the same commitment.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cGiven that the crisis that first emerged in Hormuz and now in Bab Al Mandeb is creating major difficulties for European economies, and therefore for European citizens, I believe Europe should play a much greater role than it has so far in trying to bring about peace,\u201d Crosetto said.<\/p>\n<p>Italy, which depends heavily on Middle Eastern energy, has provided significant military support to Gulf countries, sending air-defence and radar systems to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait in response to Iran\u2019s airstrikes.<\/p>\n<p>Italy and Greece supply the mission\u2019s three core ships, while Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium contribute with vessels that drop in and out on a rotation basis, meaning that the number of operational warships constantly changes.<\/p>\n<p>The Hague has committed to adding a frigate, but only in an associate role focused on awareness and information gathering. Belgium will add one of its two frigates, the Leopold I, but the warship is facing technical problems and is not expected to join the mission until next year.<\/p>\n<p>Other member states have preferred to keep their ships in the Baltic and Black Seas, hotspots for Russia&#8217;s hybrid attacks, a sign of how thinly the EU\u2019s defence capabilities are stretched.<\/p>\n<p>According to the Annual Defence Readiness Report 2026, a confidential assessment of the bloc\u2019s military needs seen by Euronews, maritime capabilities face critical gaps that current investments are expected to fill only after 2030.<\/p>\n<p>&#8220;I welcome the addition of ships recently offered by the member states, but it&#8217;s also clear that we need more to keep the Red Sea open. It&#8217;s in Europe&#8217;s strategic interest,&#8221; Kallas said.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>                                  Go to accessibility shortcuts<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-article-share-comment u-align-items-center u-display-flex\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__links u-align-items-center u-display-flex u-justify-content-center js-c-article-share-comment-share\"><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Share<\/span><\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label\">Comments<\/span><span class=\"c-article-share-comment__label c-article-share-comment__label--always\">Add Euronews on Google<\/span><\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-you-might-also-like\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-article-you-might-also-like\">\n<h2 class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__title\">\n        Read more<br \/>\n      <\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Houthis claim further Riyadh airport attacks as Saturday\u2019s death toll rises to 13<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Yemen government forces advance on Bab el-Mandeb in offensive against Houthis<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-article-you-might-also-like__item\">\n<h3>\n<p>                  Kallas urges EU countries to bolster Red Sea mission as Houthi threats mount<\/p>\n<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto\">\n<ul id=\"adb-article-tags\" class=\"c-tags-list\">\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Kaja Kallas<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Common Security and Defence Policy<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Italy<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Red sea<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"c-tags-list__item\">\n<section class=\"tc-cta\" data-twig-component=\"Cta-default\">\n  Houthis<br \/>\n<\/section>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tp-vuukle\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__header\"><span class=\"c-vuukle-skeleton__title\">Comments<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"o-article-newsy__aside\">\n<div class=\"c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-1\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"adb-article-top-stories\" class=\"perf-cv-auto c-top-stories\">\n<h2 class=\"c-top-stories__title\">Top stories<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2933040-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2933040\" data-cid=\"9949036\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2933040-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/90\/36\/320x180_cmsv2_69517617-eb69-5c47-a4f0-d87c984ab8c2-9949036.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz lead the &quot;Coalition of the Willing&quot;.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Blindsided again by Trump, Europe scrambles to rally behind Ukraine<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2933108-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2933108\" data-cid=\"9949432\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2933108-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/94\/32\/320x180_cmsv2_255faccb-724f-5cbe-a17b-5d16ddab8065-9949432.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier is seen off the shore of the Faliro suburb, in Athens, Greece, Thursday, March 24, 2022.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    French navy intercepts and boards &#8216;shadow fleet&#8217; ship, Macron says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2932987-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2932987\" data-cid=\"9948859\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2932987-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/26\/47\/320x180_cmsv2_05b63efd-d1b1-5bb1-8557-0be63c531a20-9922647.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ukraine&apos;s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, greets Hungary&apos;s Prime Minister Peter Magyar, center, next to European Council President Antonio Costa during a round table mee\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine passes minority rights law to end Hungary\u2019s EU veto<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2932991-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2932991\" data-cid=\"9949418\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2932991-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/88\/64\/320x180_cmsv2_84994b24-42b5-5074-96d9-a38ff26a435f-9948864.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Citro\u00ebn\u2019s new 2CV Concept, inspired by its iconic ancestor.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Citro\u00ebn&#8217;s iconic 2CV returns as an all-electric model<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-top-stories__item\">\n<article id=\"abe-2933050-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2933050\" data-cid=\"9949107\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2933050-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/91\/07\/320x180_cmsv2_8619fb90-2627-5ef5-a26c-9353165df9df-9949107.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\" In this March 14, 2020 file photo, a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship is docked at Port Miami.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Woman, 44, rescued after 20 hours in sea: Greek coastguard<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-2\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-most-viewed\">\n<h2 class=\"c-most-viewed__title qa-section-title\">Most read<\/h2>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__list\">\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">1<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2932839-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2932839\" data-cid=\"9948081\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil prices drop as stocks rise after Trump touts &#8216;energy ceasefire&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">2<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2932968-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2932968\" data-cid=\"9948719\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukrainian strikes on data centres and Russian bot activity in freefall<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">3<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2932072-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2932072\" data-cid=\"9947626\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Hochvogel mountain at risk of major rockslide<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">4<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2932987-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2932987\" data-cid=\"9948859\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine passes minority rights law to end Hungary\u2019s EU veto<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-most-viewed__item\"><span class=\"c-most-viewed__item__number\">5<\/span><\/p>\n<article id=\"abe-2932900-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2932900\" data-cid=\"9948287\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU decries Trump-Putin diesel deal, insists sanctions will continue<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"perf-cv-auto c-ad-wrapper o-article-newsy__aside__content-3\" data-ad-name=\"adzone-halfpage\">\n<div class=\"c-ad c-ad-halfpage u-show-for-desktop\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"c-ad u-show-for-mobile-only\">\n<div class=\"c-ad__placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"c-ad__placeholder__logo\" src=\"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/website\/images\/logos\/logo-euronews-stacked-outlined-72x72-grey-9.svg\" width=\"72\" height=\"72\" alt><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2933040-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2933040\" data-cid=\"9949036\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2933040-label-pos2-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/90\/36\/320x180_cmsv2_69517617-eb69-5c47-a4f0-d87c984ab8c2-9949036.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Emmanuel Macron and Friedrich Merz lead the &quot;Coalition of the Willing&quot;.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Blindsided again by Trump, Europe scrambles to rally behind Ukraine<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2933108-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2933108\" data-cid=\"9949432\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2933108-label-pos3-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/94\/32\/320x180_cmsv2_255faccb-724f-5cbe-a17b-5d16ddab8065-9949432.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"The Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier is seen off the shore of the Faliro suburb, in Athens, Greece, Thursday, March 24, 2022.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    French navy intercepts and boards &#8216;shadow fleet&#8217; ship, Macron says<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2932987-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2932987\" data-cid=\"9948859\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2932987-label-pos4-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/92\/26\/47\/320x180_cmsv2_05b63efd-d1b1-5bb1-8557-0be63c531a20-9922647.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Ukraine&apos;s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, right, greets Hungary&apos;s Prime Minister Peter Magyar, center, next to European Council President Antonio Costa during a round table mee\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine passes minority rights law to end Hungary\u2019s EU veto<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2932991-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2932991\" data-cid=\"9949418\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2932991-label-pos5-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/88\/64\/320x180_cmsv2_84994b24-42b5-5074-96d9-a38ff26a435f-9948864.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"Citro\u00ebn\u2019s new 2CV Concept, inspired by its iconic ancestor.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Citro\u00ebn&#8217;s iconic 2CV returns as an all-electric model<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2933050-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-2 m-modeDesktop-2 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2933050\" data-cid=\"9949107\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<figure id=\"abe-2933050-label-pos6-top-stories\" class=\"the-media-object__figure\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"the-media-object__image\" src=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/91\/07\/320x180_cmsv2_8619fb90-2627-5ef5-a26c-9353165df9df-9949107.jpg\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\" In this March 14, 2020 file photo, a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship is docked at Port Miami.\" height=\"9\" width=\"16\"><\/figure>\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Woman, 44, rescued after 20 hours in sea: Greek coastguard<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2932839-pos1-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2932839\" data-cid=\"9948081\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Oil prices drop as stocks rise after Trump touts &#8216;energy ceasefire&#8217;<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2932968-pos2-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2932968\" data-cid=\"9948719\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukrainian strikes on data centres and Russian bot activity in freefall<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2932072-pos3-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2932072\" data-cid=\"9947626\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Hochvogel mountain at risk of major rockslide<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2932987-pos4-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2932987\" data-cid=\"9948859\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    Ukraine passes minority rights law to end Hungary\u2019s EU veto<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<article id=\"abe-2932900-pos5-mostViewed\" class=\"the-media-object m-modeMobile-3 m-modeDesktop-3 the-media-object--has-video the-media-object--no-label\" data-nid=\"2932900\" data-cid=\"9948287\" data-part-label=\"Partner content\">\n<div class=\"the-media-object__content\">\n<h3 class=\"the-media-object__title  \">\n<p>    EU decries Trump-Putin diesel deal, insists sanctions will continue<br \/>\n  <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"articleBody\" data-key=\"articleBody\">The EU\u2019s Red Sea naval mission is struggling to attract reinforcements, with only the Netherlands and Belgium offering one extra vessel each, while the Houthis escalate their attacks on Riyadh.Italy has been driving the push to bolster Aspides, the EU naval operation launched in February 2024 to secure navigation in the Red Sea. But little extra capacity has materialised, and the security situation has worsened.&#8221;We need at least ten ships, and we are not there. But today we also heard from a few member states that the discussion is ongoing,&#8221; EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas said at a press conference after the Foreign Affairs Council on Monday.&#8221;So I hope that the ships the operation actually needs will materialise, because if we want to be a credible security provider in the region, then we need to have a credible mission,&#8221; she added.On 19 September, Kallas sent a letter to European capitals asking member states for additional naval and air assets to strengthen the EU\u2019s presence in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a critical chokepoint for energy supply.The initiative followed an Italian request, after an Italian frigate had to escort an Italian merchant vessel off Yemen\u2019s coast. Since it became operational, Aspides has escorted hundreds of vessels in the Red Sea.In recent days, the Houthis, a Yemeni armed group backed by Iran, have launched a series of strikes on Saudi Arabia, hitting Riyadh\u2019s international airport and causing a total of 14 deaths and more than 300 injuries.The mission was set up after the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war and a surge in attacks on merchant vessels. In the past weeks, the situation in Yemen has further deteriorated, threatening vital international trade routes.Earlier this month, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto told the UAE-based outlet The National that Rome was willing to increase its contribution, but only once other EU countries showed the same commitment.\u201cGiven that the crisis that first emerged in Hormuz and now in Bab Al Mandeb is creating major difficulties for European economies, and therefore for European citizens, I believe Europe should play a much greater role than it has so far in trying to bring about peace,\u201d Crosetto said.Italy, which depends heavily on Middle Eastern energy, has provided significant military support to Gulf countries, sending air-defence and radar systems to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait in response to Iran\u2019s airstrikes.Italy and Greece supply the mission\u2019s three core ships, while Germany, France, Spain, the Netherlands and Belgium contribute with vessels that drop in and out on a rotation basis, meaning that the number of operational warships constantly changes.The Hague has committed to adding a frigate, but only in an associate role focused on awareness and information gathering. Belgium will add one of its two frigates, the Leopold I, but the warship is facing technical problems and is not expected to join the mission until next year.Other member states have preferred to keep their ships in the Baltic and Black Seas, hotspots for Russia&#8217;s hybrid attacks, a sign of how thinly the EU\u2019s defence capabilities are stretched.According to the Annual Defence Readiness Report 2026, a confidential assessment of the bloc\u2019s military needs seen by Euronews, maritime capabilities face critical gaps that current investments are expected to fill only after 2030.&#8221;I welcome the addition of ships recently offered by the member states, but it&#8217;s also clear that we need more to keep the Red Sea open. It&#8217;s in Europe&#8217;s strategic interest,&#8221; Kallas said.<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2026\/10\/12\/eu-struggles-to-ramp-up-red-sea-mission-as-houthis-escalate-attacks&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/94\/89\/33\/1200x675_cmsv2_35c1cfec-62dc-5bab-8d8c-69bb0c0cf712-9948933.jpg&#8221;] Europe News Portugal begins high-speed rail construction between Lisbon and Porto Europe News French navy intercepts and boards &#8216;shadow fleet&#8217; ship, Macron says Economy Citro\u00ebn&#8217;s iconic 2CV returns as an all-electric model Europe News Investigators use DNA and vehicle tracking to recover stolen Renoirs Europe News Portugal begins high-speed rail construction between [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[90],"tags":[226,36],"class_list":["post-2193170","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-international","tag-crawlmanager","tag-euronews-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2193170","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=2193170"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2193170\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=2193170"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=2193170"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=2193170"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}