In view of the Houthis’ continued military escalation in Yemen, their attacks in the region and the continued threats to freedom of navigation in Bab al-Mandab, the Commission will step up its support to Yemen on maritime security. This was announced today by Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates of the Republic of Yemen Dr Afrah A. Al-Zouba.
This upcoming support will aim to reinforce the capacity of Yemen’s coastguards, strengthen maritime security and contribute to curbing arms trafficking, with a view to reinforce the protection of the economic corridor and freedom of navigation through Bab al-Mandab.
This action will complement the EU maritime security engagement in the region, including maritime CSDP Operations, and particularly EUNAVFOR, ASPIDES, that will continue to deliver its critical contribution to ensure freedom of navigation and protect maritime shipping and the lives of seafarers in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait, in accordance with international law.
Commissioner Šuica also recalled the significant development and humanitarian assistance that the EU has provided to Yemen since 2015, totalling around €2 billion, as a response to the dire humanitarian situation in the country, and in order to support the government to build economic resilience, offer livelihood opportunities for Yemenis and improve governance, while complementing efforts on peace and mediation for a sustainable solution to the conflict.
Next steps
This new action is expected to be adopted in 2027, in line with established procedures.
Background
The enduring civil war in Yemen is also the most destabilising factor for the security of maritime lanes through the Gulf of Aden to the Red Sea. Around 12% of global trade volumes transit through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, with about 23% of EU goods imports from Asia arrived by sea, most using the Red Sea route. 90% of data traffic between Europe and Asia passes through the Red Sea. The constricted passage of cables in this turbulent area, subject to terrorism and piracy, increases the risk of both accidental damage and deliberate sabotage, potentially leading to significant outages and disruptions in internet service across multiple continents.
The EU remains committed to Yemen’s unity, sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. Since 2015, the EU has delivered nearly €2 billion in development and humanitarian assistance. It is also seeking to team up with other partners to further support Yemen, including in trilateral cooperation with Gulf donor agencies.
For more information
Factsheet–EU support to Yemen 2021-2027
Quotes
The EU stands in full solidarity with the people of Yemen. We have provided nearly €2 billion in support since 2015. I was glad to meet Minister Afrah A. Al-Zouba today in Brussels. I reaffirmed our commitment to helping the country stabilise its economy and improve livelihoods as well as advance reforms and strengthen its institutions. I am also glad to announce that we are preparing a new initiative for maritime security and economic resilience. This builds on our work of assistance to the national coastguard to curb arms trafficking and safeguard freedom of navigation through Bab al-Mandab. We are also determined to work with regional and international partners to support Yemen.
Commissioner for the Mediterranean Dubravka Šuica
