Operation Shields in the Red Sea is an example of how the European Union can act effectively as a maritime security force.

This was emphasized by the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Policy and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission Joseph Borelspeaking today, from the headquarters of the operation in Larissa, which he visited with the Minister of National Defense Nikos Dendias.

He congratulated the work being done by the staff at the headquarters while referring to the situation in the Red Sea he pointed out that the Houthi launch targeted attacks against merchant ships endangering international shipping, trade and peace and security in the region.

As said by Mr. Borel alternative ship itineraries add ten to 14 days to the journey resulting in “more costs, which means higher prices, i.e. inflation”.

And as always, he underlined, those who pay the highest price “are the poorest”.

“These attacks are a direct attack on our interests, on the EU but also on international stability and peace as well as on the lives of people in needsaid Mr Borel.

“For this reason we started the business” and until now, since last February, in the context of “Shields» have successfully escorted 170 merchant ships passing through the Red Sea.

As part of the operation, Mr Borel pointed out, “19 Houthi drones and missiles have been destroyed».

He emphasized that the “Shields” operation is strictly defensive in nature and that there are no operations against the Houthis on land.