Tensions between German leader Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron could threaten to damage the European Union’s position on the Houthis, diplomats have revealed.
The frosty relationship between the pair has been exacerbated by issues including energy funding, China, and Ukraine.
On Monday, Scholz stated that EU member states were not sending enough aid to Ukraine, in what appeared to be a jab at Macron, whose level of support lags far behind Berlin's.
The Franco-German relationship, which has been at the crux of policy-making decisions in Brussels, could derail EU action in the Red Sea if animosity continues to foster between the two.
Tensions between the pair could threaten to damage the European Union’s position on the Houthis
Getty
Diplomats fear that the spat could prevent Berlin from convincing Paris to back an expansion of a French-led EU anti-piracy mission around the Strait of Hormuz.
Germany has offered to send a naval vessel with anti-aircraft missiles to get the plan in motion, however, France has yet to respond.
An EU diplomat told The Telegraph: “The relationship isn’t really working at the moment. The Germans think the French are not doing enough on Ukraine, despite talking a big game, and they are right.”
Brussels is facing mounting pressure to respond to Iran-backed rebels in Yemen who are attacking Red Sea ships.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
The Franco-German relationship is seen as being crucial to decision-making in the EU
Getty
It has not yet been decided whether the EU mission would be defensive or if they would take the Houthis on directly.
The UK and the US have both unleashed targeted strikes against military facilities in Yemen in response to the “reckless actions” of Houthi rebels in the region.
The rebels, who called the Western nations’ response “barbaric”, had previously launched a series of attacks on shipping routes in the Red Sea, which they claimed to be a show of support for Palestine and terror group Hamas.
Major shipping companies have embarked on longer routes in order to avoid the rebels, resulting in increased global shipping costs and higher prices of items.
Houthi fighters have been attacking ships in the Red SeaReutersThe UK and US strikes were given political backing by EU members Germany, the Netherlands and Denmark.
However, France, alongside Italy and Spain did not sign a joint statement supporting the attacks.
The US Air Force said American and British forces struck more than 60 targets in 16 locations.
The MoD said "particular care was taken to minimise any risks to civilians” when planning the strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.
Yemini news agency SABA reported this morning that five people have been killed and six others were wounded in the strikes overnight.