European Commission — 2024-02-21
News from Brussels
On Wednesday 21 February 2024, the G7 Transport Ministers expressed strong condemnation of the attacks carried out by the Houthis against commercial vessels and navy ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Ministers emphasised that these actions violate international law, endanger innocent lives, and threaten navigational rights and freedoms. They welcomed the EU maritime operation "Aspides", launched on Monday 19 February 2024, highlighting the critical importance of maritime security and navigational rights and freedoms in ensuring the uninterrupted movement of essential commodities worldwide.
Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, said: "Enhanced coordination and timely sharing of information are paramount to safeguard maritime corridors, as they are the backbone of European and global supply chains. Through the EU maritime operation Aspides and the close cooperation within the G7, we take concrete steps to facilitate smooth freight transport flows and ensure the safety of seafares and the ships they sail on."
Ministers noted that the attacks on commercial ships by the Houthis have significantly disrupted the freedom of navigation and posed a serious threat to the security and safety of vessels in the region. As a result, many ships have diverted their routes, leading to increased transit times, shipping costs, and disruptions to global supply chains.
The joint statement was adopted at an extraordinary meeting of G7 Transport Ministers, where Commissioner Vălean joined her counterparts from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States of America to discuss the situation in the Red Sea.