Brussels – The European Union “strongly” condemns the latest military escalation by the Houthis in Yemen and the attacks against Saudi Arabia, in particular those that have targeted civilians and civilian infrastructure. In a statement released today (2 November) on behalf of the 27 Member States, the High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said that “all Houthi military action must end immediately”, and urged all parties involved, including Iran, to “cease all military support to the Houthis, in violation of several United Nations Security Council resolutions.”
The attacks on the Al-Maashiq building in Aden, the prolonged siege of Taiz, the military operations along Yemen’s western coast and the offensives against Saudi Arabia are described as “heinous acts”. Brussels reaffirms its solidarity with the legitimate Yemeni government and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It confirms its commitment to strengthening support for the government and the country’s Presidential Steering Council.
For the EU, however, “there can be no military solution to the conflict in Yemen.” The statement reaffirms support for UN-led diplomatic efforts to achieve an “inclusive and sustainable” political solution, led and managed by the Yemenis themselves.
Of particular concern is the worsening humanitarian crisis. According to the statement, over 22 million people need assistance in the country, where food insecurity and a lack of access to medical care and drinking water are exacerbating an already catastrophic situation. Between 800,000 and 950,000 civilians, including displaced people, live in Taiz, while the city is once again under siege.
The EU points out that “The use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare is prohibited under international law” and calls on the Houthis to urgently open a humanitarian corridor in Taiz, ensuring “safe, rapid and unhindered” access to aid. Brussels also calls for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained humanitarian staff, including the 70 United Nations staff members still being arbitrarily detained in Sana’a.
In terms of aid, the EU has allocated a further 25 million euros in emergency humanitarian assistance, bringing the total for 2026 to 110 million euros. Since 2015, European support for Yemen has reached almost 2 billion euros.
Finally, Brussels stressed the need to safeguard freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait. The European naval operation Aspides will continue to make its critical contribution to ensuring freedom of navigation and protecting maritime shipping and the lives of seafarers in an area that is strategic for regional security and international trade.
English version by the Translation Service of Withub
