NYN | News
The European Union approved today, Thursday, a revision of its strategy in the Red Sea — a move that reflects a shift in its approach to the escalating tensions in the region.
Greece, the host nation of the EU mission in the Red Sea, announced that it had dispatched a rescue vessel named Giant, whose primary mission will be to provide support and protection for commercial ships and their crews as they navigate strategic maritime routes.
According to Reuters, European sources reported that the Giant is equipped with high-performance engines and manned by a 14-member crew. The ship is capable of operating under harsh sea conditions, making it a practical and field-ready option amid the ongoing escalation.
This development comes just days after Sanaa forces announced the successful sinking of two commercial vessels owned by Greek companies, claiming the ships had violated the navigation ban imposed on routes heading to Israeli ports — part of operations that Sanaa says are in support of Gaza.
The deployment of a European rescue ship for the first time since the launch of the joint naval mission in February 2024 is seen as a clear indicator of shifting rules of engagement in the region — particularly after the same mission failed to rescue the crew of the MV Eternity C, which was targeted earlier.
Observers believe this shift reflects a growing realization within the European Union that a purely military response is proving ineffective, given the increasing capabilities of maritime attacks and the diverse pressure tactics employed by Sanaa. This has pushed the EU to focus more on protection and rescue operations, rather than projecting military might.
