EU Weighs Stepping Up Yemen Aid as Houthi Attacks Escalate
Speaking to a plenary session of the European Parliament, Kallas said the bloc is reviewing options to expand its assistance and is prepared to support efforts to restart political talks, pressing for a diplomatic way out of the crisis.
“We also stand ready to support all mediation efforts to resume meaningful political negotiations. Escalation will leave everyone worse off,” Kallas said.
She called on all parties to help end “the Houthi aggression” and urged the group to return to the UN-led mediation process.
On maritime security, Kallas said the EU’s Operation Aspides has shepherded hundreds of commercial vessels through danger since it was launched in response to Houthi strikes on shipping in the Red Sea.
Demand is outpacing capacity, she warned, noting the bloc lacks the naval assets to cover every request for protection.
“We have a huge list of companies requesting our support and not enough ships to help all who request it,” she said.
Kallas stressed that the mission is not meant to take part in the war. Its purpose, she said, is to safeguard commercial shipping and European trade interests.
The bloc will also keep backing the Yemeni Coast Guard and other regional maritime actors, including Djibouti, in the fight against arms smuggling, she added.
Asked about calls to list the Houthis as a terrorist organization, Kallas noted that such a step would need the backing of every EU member state.
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