ROME

A joint European mission to defend mercantile ships from attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Red Sea is a “first step” towards the creation of the bloc’s common defense system, Italy’s foreign minister said Friday.

“The European mission, which is strongly defensive, will protect mercantile ships which take our products to China, the Far East, and also Africa through the Suez Canal,” Antonio Tajani said in an interview with Italian national TV.

“It’s a very strong military mission and a first step towards European defense.”

Talk of creating a common European defense is intensifying as European Union institutions approach the end of their terms, set to culminate with European elections in June.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, who is seeking a second term, has proposed the creation of a European defense commissioner, if she is reelected.

The US failing to send more support to Ukraine in recent months has also spurred talk that Europe increasingly may need to act in its own defense.

Tajani also said that the reconstruction of war-torn Ukraine represents an opportunity for Italian exports. Italy has already pledged its economic support and expertise for the rebuilding of the cathedral of Odesa, severely damaged by Russian bombing.

He also said that Italy is working hard to enable the Balkan countries to access the EU.

“We can’t leave them under the influence of Russia, China, or other extra-European countries,” he said.