... such is the strength of anti-American sentiment within the EU’s policy-making elite that they find it impossible to resist any opportunity to establish military operations that can operate independently of US influence.
The latest example of the EU’s desire to commit wilful acts of self-harm, in terms of safeguarding its interests, is clearly evident from the proposals currently under consideration to
create its own naval force to protect commercial vessels from Houthi rebel attacks in the Red Sea.
Proposals for the establishment of an EU naval force are already said to be well-advanced, with final approval for its implementation due to be given at a meeting of EU foreign ministers on February 19.
...
The EU’s approach is in marked contrast to the operations currently being conducted by the US and UK, which have launched a series of
air strikes against Houthi positions in Yemen as part of Operation Prosperity Guardian, and reflects the reservations many European leaders have expressed about the more robust approach being taken by Washington and London.
Their preference for forming their own force is partly motivated by their dislike of being under Washington’s command, even though the US has immensely more firepower at its disposal.
...
The EU might see itself as an emerging power, but its ineffectual response to the Red Sea crisis merely confirms the perception that its aspirations to become a dominant force in world affairs are doomed to fail.
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