Spain blocks EU participation in US operation in Red Sea — reports

Spain has vetoed the European participation in the US operation to ensure freedom of navigation and protection of ships in the Red Sea, the El Confidencial newspaper reported.

According to the newspaper, Madrid initially wanted the entire community to participate in the mission. During an emergency meeting on December 20, the EU's Political and Security Committee unanimously approved the community’s participation in the initiative by expanding Operation Atalanta.

However, according to the newspaper, on December 21 Madrid changed its position and vetoed the decision at the meeting of the working group of EU advisers on international relations. European diplomatic sources told the newspaper that the Spanish government's "change of position" had not been explained to its partners.