The key facts

  • The EU is studying options to expand support for Yemen's government and is ready to support mediation on Yemen.
  • Operation Aspides has escorted hundreds of vessels, but the EU lacks naval resources for all requests.
  • Designating the Houthis as a terrorist organization requires unanimity of all member states, Kallas noted.

EU considering expanding aid to Yemen

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas said on Tuesday at a plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg that the union is studying options to increase support for Yemen's government amid an escalation of Houthi attacks and deteriorating regional security. According to her, the EU is ready to support all mediation efforts to resume meaningful political talks. 'Escalation will make everyone poorer,' Anadolu quoted her as saying.

Call for diplomacy and an end to attacks

Kallas stressed the need for a diplomatic solution and called on all stakeholders to help end the 'Houthi aggression,' as well as urging the group to re-engage in the UN-led mediation process.

Maritime security and Operation Aspides

Turning to maritime security, Kallas said that the EU operation Aspides, since its launch in response to Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, has escorted hundreds of commercial vessels to safe locations. She noted that 'we have a huge list of companies requesting our support, and there are not enough ships to help everyone who requests it,' acknowledging a shortage of naval resources. According to her, the operation is not intended to take part in the war but is aimed at protecting commercial shipping and Europe's trade interests. The EU will also continue to support the Yemeni coast guard and other maritime players in the region, including Djibouti, in combating arms smuggling.

Question of the Houthis' terrorist status

Responding to calls to designate the Houthis as a terrorist organization, Kallas noted that such a step would require the support of all EU member states.