Yemen Monitor / Newsroom / Agencies :
A recent report by the International Maritime Security Center, authored by researcher Anna Matilde Basoli, has revealed details of the Red Sea crisis, exposing deep divisions between the US and its European allies.
The report pointed out that differences in strategic visions between the two sides have complicated joint efforts to address threats in the region.
The crisis began with the US launching Operation Prosperity Guardian in December 2023, aimed at responding to Houthi attacks on global shipping. However, most European naval forces quickly withdrew to join Operation Aspides, led by the EU, resulting in an unprecedented split in transatlantic commitments.
The report explained that this division undermined joint efforts in three main ways:
First, it deprived Operation Prosperity Guardian of European naval assets, as countries like Italy, France, and Germany sent their ships to support Aspides.
Second, it reveale,,d a European shift towards strategic autonomy, with Europeans preferring to operate separately from U.S. leadership.
Third, it highlighted the United States’ failure to recognize the EU as an independent security actor, worsening misunderstandings between the two sides.
The report noted that the US focuses on an offensive approach to counter maritime threats and protect strategic interests, while Europeans follow a defensive approach aimed at securing commercial shipping lanes. This difference in visions has eroded trust among traditional allies.
The report also highlighted the broader problems facing transatlantic relations, emphasizing that the US still views Europe through the NATO lens, while Europeans are increasingly looking to the EU to bolster their security.
It added that the drive towards European strategic autonomy is not merely a reaction to the policies of the Trump administration, but a result of renewed US assertiveness.
In conclusion, the report called for unified transatlantic efforts, stressing that an integrated NATO strategy is the only solution to ending the crisis. It also warned that the continuation of the division could lead to the failure of joint efforts, endangering the security interests of both sides.
