The EU is preparing to send warships to the Red Sea as Houthi rebels continue bombarding vessels.
It comes after Spain - who previously rejected plans - said they would not block the new mission.
The military mission has been launched in an attempt to protect freedom of navigation along the vital route leading to the Suez Canal which connects Europe with Asia.
According to a document from the European External Action Service, the bloc should create "a new EU operation" that would "act in a broader area of operation, from the Red Sea to the Gulf."
The EU is preparing to send warships to the Red Sea as Houthi rebels continue bombarding vessels (stock image of German frigate)
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Economy Commissioner Paolo Gentiloni warned earlier this week that the consequences of the instability in the region "could materialise in the coming weeks."
However, currently EU energy prices and inflation have not yet been affected.
On Tuesday, 27 EU representatives discussed plans which will build on an existing French-led surveillance mission, operation AGENOR.
Diplomats have said Spain will not take part in the mission, butwill no longer block proposals.
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Last December, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez blocked the EU’s plan to send warships to the Red Sea.
According to plans, the European Union will need to send at least three warships.
It is not currently clear who exactly will provide what as chiefs warn that it will take some time to get full clarity.
Plans are expected to be arranged no later than February 19, when the foreign affairs ministers meet.
According to plans, the European Union will need to send at least three warships
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The proposals follow in the footsteps of the US who launched Operation Prosperity Guardian in December.
The bloc hoped to use its anti-pirate mission, Atalanta, but Spain opposed the idea while saying that it was open to a new mission.
New plans stated that "the exact size and composition of the operation would be subject to further operational planning" but includes "at least three anti-air destroyers or frigates with multi-mission capabilities for at least one year."
