EU official calls for urgent action to keep path to peace open in Yemen
A senior EU official has called for concrete action "in the coming days" to halt renewed fighting in Yemen and salvage the possibility of a political solution. In an interview with The National , the EU ambassador to Yemen, Patrick Simonnet, warned the recent escalation threatens not only civilian lives but also years of diplomatic progress aimed at ending the conflict. "Concrete steps are needed…
The EU ambassador to Yemen, Patrick Simonnet, has urged for immediate action to prevent renewed fighting in Yemen and preserve the chance for a political resolution. In a recent interview with The National, he cautioned that the recent escalation could jeopardize not only civilian lives but also the years of diplomatic progress aimed at ending the conflict.
Simonnet emphasized that concrete measures are required in the near future, not weeks, to halt the escalation, shield civilians and alleviate their suffering. He stressed that military action alone is insufficient to resolve Yemen's long-standing conflict, stating, "The path to a political settlement has unfortunately become more difficult, but it remains essential."
The ambassador highlighted the growing challenges and the urgent need to find a political solution that would safeguard Yemen's future and the security of its neighboring countries. The ambassador's caution comes amid a sharp escalation in fighting in Yemen, which has threatened to overturn the relative calm achieved after a UN-brokered truce in 2022.
The conflict has been further complicated by the entanglement of Yemen's peace process in regional disputes involving the US, Iran, and Israel. The recent escalation began in July when Houthi rebels launched a campaign, seizing Yemen's western coast, and have since launched deadly attacks on Saudi cities and military installations, turning the kingdom into a focal point in the regional conflict.
Simonnet acknowledged that Yemen's conflict has origins both internal and external, but it has become increasingly intertwined with regional tensions. He stressed that addressing Yemen's internal divisions is crucial, alongside regional de-escalation efforts. Beyond the necessity for a political settlement, Simonnet highlighted that Yemen's humanitarian crisis and the needs of its people must not be neglected, even as the international community focuses on regional security concerns.
He emphasized that families require access to food, clean water, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, as well as a credible prospect of peace. The ambassador stressed the importance of translating renewed international attention into sustained engagement with Yemen's people, economy, and institutions. He expressed deep concern over the Houthi attacks on Aden and the prolonged siege of Taiz, both of which have further restricted access to essential supplies.
The EU, in response to the latest escalation, has allocated €22.5 million in humanitarian aid to Yemen, on top of the previously allocated €87.5 million for 2026, to address the consequences of the renewed conflict and the critical needs of millions of people.
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