Greece seeks key role in EU defense after Red Sea mission
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias (flickr.com/mfa_lithuania)
Greece, home to the headquarters of the EU operation to protect ships from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, hopes to play a more central role in securing the bloc, according to the Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias.
"We have to be able to defend ourselves," he said.
The minister added that the European Union could achieve this in cooperation with NATO and other allies.
"What we're trying to do is have a home-grown defense industry in Greece and Europe which could service the needs of the European Union," he said.
Dendias noted the importance for the EU to succeed in its mission in the Red Sea.
"You cannot be a crossroads if roads do not exist or do not function. So for us (Greece) this is a huge threat directly and indirectly," he said.
According to him, both Greece and the European Union are concerned about the "sophisticated approach" of the Houthis, with them using sea mines and submarine weapons during attacks.
EU mission to protect Red Sea navigation
Earlier, the EU's foreign affairs chief, Josep Borrell, announced that bloc countries had reached a fundamental political agreement to start a military operation to ensure the security of commercial navigation in the Red Sea.
It is expected to put an end to Houthi attacks on commercial ships from Yemen.
It was previously reported that Germany would send the frigate Hessen to the Red Sea as part of the EU mission against the Houthis.
In addition, Belgium will provide the frigate Louise-Marie to participate in the European defense operation in the region.
For more information on who the Houthis are and why they attack ships, refer to RBC-Ukraine's coverage.
