Research
For a new paper series, six guest authors explore key aspects of maritime security cooperation between Europe and rising middle powers. Each author presents the perspective of a different littoral state, specifically Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea region, and Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea. The series builds on insights from the report ‘Bridging Waters: Strengthening Europe’s Maritime Security Engagement Through Partnerships with Rising Middle Powers’ and the webinar Bridging Waters: Middle Powers’ Cooperation on Maritime Security, held on 18 November, which brought together maritime experts from both regions to discuss avenues for further collaboration. The discussion highlighted the need for strengthened partnerships to address growing instability and to safeguard maritime routes that are vital for international trade.
The Red Sea is entering a more dangerous phase as the Houthis extend their weapons range, enhance their capabilities, and deepen ties with armed groups across the region. Although the number of attacks has temporarily fallen, their lethality and geographical reach have increased, creating significant new risks for Saudi Arabia. The kingdom’s western ports, Vision 2030 projects, undersea cables, and oil export routes are all exposed, yet Riyadh still lacks a comprehensive security strategy for the Red Sea. Regional cooperation frameworks remain weak, leaving Saudi Arabia with limited tools to address rapidly evolving maritime threats.
This HCSS guest paper by Eleonora Ardemagni argues that these developments create a strong rationale for closer cooperation between Saudi Arabia and European partners. With the EU preparing to prioritise Red Sea security in 2026, the paper identifies several practical avenues for joint action. These include coordinated support for the Yemeni Coast Guard, investment in Red Sea coast-guard capabilities, enhanced intelligence sharing, and the elevation of maritime security within the EU-GCC Regional Security Dialogue. By working together through targeted and realistic initiatives, Saudi Arabia and Europe can strengthen maritime resilience, counter emerging smuggling and militant networks, and help stabilise a waterway that is essential for regional security and global trade.
Author: Eleonora Ardemagni, Senior Associate Research Fellow, Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI)
Editors: Pieter-Jan Vandoren and Benedetta Girardi
Quality Assurance: Paul Sinning
The research for and production of this report has been conducted within the PROGRESS research framework agreement. Responsibility for the contents and for the opinions expressed, rests solely with the authors and does not constitute, nor should be construed as, an endorsement by the Netherlands Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence.
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