Frigate To Be Sent To Red Sea, Part Of EU Mission To Protect Shipping

Belgian outlet VRT reportingthat the Belgian gov't is set to send one of its two naval frigates to the Red Sea as part of the EU mission to protect contained shipping in the region. The approval for sending the vessel is set to come in exchange for the Belgian gov't advocating the EU to put more pressure on Israel to implement an immediate ceasefire in its war against Hamas in Gaza. Belgium, alongside Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, has been one of the most vocal EU members calling for a ceasefire.

• Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib from the liberal French-speaking Reform Movement (MR) saidthat sending a ship to support the EU efforts was Belgium's 'duty', despite the reluctance of some parties in the governing coalition to participate.
• The fact that the Belgian gov't currently holds the chair of the rotating presidency of the Council of the European Union gives PM Alexander De Croo and his gov't increased influence in directing the areas of focus of EU policy.
• Reuters reports on the EU mission, "The diplomats said the bloc's Political and Security Committee, responsible for preparing foreign and defence policy, had given its initial support for the mission, which would work with like-minded partners.The objective was to establish it by Feb. 19 at the latest and make it operational soon afterwards. Several diplomats said they hoped the process could be fast-tracked given the tensions in the region. It will be discussed by foreign ministers on Jan. 22."