Macron suggests EU coordinate better its fight against terrorism in Red Sea, Strait of Hormuz

By Nur Asena Erturk

The French president on Friday suggested that EU members coordinate better in the fight against terror attacks in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at a news conference following an EU Council Summit in Brussels, Emmanuel Macron noted that the French navy intercepted the drones from the Yemeni group, Houthis, that were about to attack a Norwegian ship.

"I think it would benefit us to better articulate our means to truly allow a response in terms of security," said Macron. "So, we will work towards a European coordination to improve our sea operations and to fight against those terrorist actions."

He also expressed hope at finding a consensus for a cease-fire in the Middle East.

He vowed that France would work hard, beyond Europe, to convince Israel to agree to a truce that would lead to a cease-fire.

- Ukraine's accession to EU

The French president noted that Hungary abstained from voting for the EU's decision to launch talks on Ukraine's accession to the bloc and chose "not to block Europeans' unity."

He added that Hungary vetoed €50 billion ($54.9 billion) for EU funding of Ukraine.

"We decided to freeze this package of negotiations and to postpone this discussion to early next year," said Macron.