The European Union has plans to launch a naval mission in the Red Sea.

According to the bloc’s head of Foreign Policy, the mission should be operational on February 17th. The objective is to “protect ships” and “prevent” or “block attacks”, without being part of any type of action against the Houthis”.

“We are all concerned about traffic to the canal. Many European companies ask us to do this because their business models are suffering a lot, due to the high increase in costs and the fact that they have to go to South Africa and travel all the way to Europe. This is affecting costs. Therefore, it is affecting prices and inflation. It is natural that we try to avoid this risk,” Josep Borrell told journalists before chairing a meeting of EU defense ministers in Brussels.

According to authorities, seven Member States are ready to supply ships or planes. Belgium has already committed to sending a frigate. Germany is expected to do the same.

US destroys Houthi missiles prepared to attack ships in the Red Sea
Last week, American and British forces bombed multiple targets in eight locations used by the Iran-backed Houthis. It was the second time the two allies carried out coordinated retaliatory strikes against the rebels’ missile launch capabilities.

The Houthis have carried out a persistent campaign of drone and missile attacks on commercial ships since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas in October, but Borrell insisted the EU mission will not take part in any military attacks.

“This is the objective: protection of ships. Intercept attacks against ships. Do not participate in any type of action against the Houthis. Just block the Houthis’ attacks”, guaranteed Borrell.

The bloc’s defense ministers are expected to decide this Wednesday which member country should lead the naval effort and where the mission’s headquarters should be located.