European officials remain silent on US comments labeling Europe as 'free-loading' in the Red Sea, despite EU's significant financial contributions to protect commercial vessels from Houthi attacks. The EU's Operation ASPIDES has been active for 13 months, costing €8 million, and has recently been extended with rising costs. US officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, have expressed frustration over European reliance on US military support. Analysts suggest that both US military actions and EU defensive strategies may not provide a long-term solution to the ongoing crisis in the region. Teljes cikk (Euronews.com)