Iran war teaches importance of Gulf cooperation with Europe for maritime security, ISPI says
Insecurity caused by the Houthis in the Red Sea, followed by disruptions caused by the Iran war in the Strait of Hormuz, has had a direct impact on Europe.
Iran's attacks on Gulf nations and the ensuing disruption of maritime security have highlighted the critical importance of collaboration between Europe and the Gulf, according to a report released by the Italian Institute for International Political Studies (ISPI) in partnership with the Gulf Research Center. The report underscores that the fluctuating oil prices resulting from the conflict are just a symptom of the broader impact on global stability.
The Iranian war in the Strait of Hormuz and the threat from Houthi rebels in the Red Sea have directly affected Europe through escalated insurance costs, increased shipping expenses, and delays in cargo movements.
To tackle these challenges, the ISPI suggests the establishment of a permanent maritime coordination framework involving naval forces, coast guards, port authorities, customs agencies, and commercial shipping operators. This framework would enhance maritime domain awareness, facilitate rapid information-sharing, bolster counter-drone and counter-mine readiness, and set up communication protocols during emergencies. The ultimate aim is to ensure the uninterrupted flow of vital goods even amidst disruptions.
Additionally, the report recommends practical defensive measures to safeguard critical maritime assets, particularly commercial tankers. It proposes precautionary technologies like jamming and drone detection systems for large vessels, including LNG tankers, given the significant impact of drones on the regional conflict.
The ISPI further calls for the creation of a permanent ministerial-level forum between the European Union and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). This forum, built upon the existing EU-GCC Regional Security Dialogue, would serve to provide strategic direction, coordinate policy, and support joint planning on maritime security, air defense, and critical infrastructure protection.
The report also advocates for expanded information-sharing through the integration of maritime and air surveillance data, and regular joint exercises involving personnel from both Gulf and European forces to bolster the protection of critical infrastructure.
The institute argues that Iran's latest war has shown that strategic vulnerabilities now extend beyond conventional military weaknesses to include hybrid threats targeting critical infrastructure and systems sustaining economic activity. European digital security expertise can bolster Gulf infrastructure resilience, while Gulf investment can accelerate modernization.
The report suggests establishing dedicated working groups focused on maritime and air security, critical infrastructure protection, and defense industrial cooperation. It also emphasizes the need for joint planning to anticipate future geopolitical, environmental, technological, and economic threats, thereby improving collective resilience and adaptability.
Lastly, the ISPI recommends that Gulf states continue diversifying their economies to enhance resilience against hybrid attacks. European firms involved in maritime and defense sectors may find potential in investing in the Gulf's evolving defense industry through partnerships and joint ventures. The report also suggests that the European Union's Readiness 2030 initiative, with its potential €800 billion in defense-related funding, could serve as a platform for deepening industrial cooperation and sharing technical expertise between Europe and Gulf partners.
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