The European Parliament has called on the European Union to designate Yemen’s Houthi movement as a terrorist organisation, impose asset freezes and dismantle its financial networks amid growing concerns over
attacks on regional countries and international shipping routes.
In a resolution adopted on Thursday, Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) condemned the Houthis’ missile and drone strikes against Saudi Arabia, describing the attacks as serious breaches of international law and international humanitarian law. Lawmakers also criticised the group’s military offensive in Yemen, which they said had contributed to civilian deaths, displacement and the deterioration of an already severe humanitarian crisis.
The resolution additionally denounced Houthi attacks against Israel and the United Arab Emirates in recent years, warning that the movement’s military activities pose a growing threat to regional stability.
Parliament condemns Iran’s support for the Houthis
MEPs expressed solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reaffirmed their support for Yemen’s internationally recognised government. They stressed the importance of protecting both countries’ sovereignty, territorial integrity and security.
The Parliament demanded an immediate halt to Houthi hostilities within Yemen and beyond its borders, calling on the movement to abandon territorial expansion ambitions.
Lawmakers also sharply criticised Iran’s role in supporting armed groups across the Middle East. They accused Tehran of supplying the Houthis with weapons, missile and drone technologies, military training and financial assistance, arguing that this support contributes to instability throughout the region.
The resolution further raised concerns about cooperation between the Houthis, Hezbollah and other armed groups backed by Iran. MEPs argued that sustainable peace in the Middle East would require the disarmament and demobilisation of militias and other non-state armed organisations.
Calls for sanctions and financial restrictions
Following a proposal by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, Parliament urged the Council of the European Union to place the Houthi movement on the bloc’s list of terrorist organisations.
The proposed designation would cover the group’s political and military wings, senior leadership, and military and security structures.
MEPs also called for measures to cut off the movement’s sources of funding, including freezing its financial assets and economic resources, as well as those belonging to individuals and entities facilitating its activities.
The initiative reflects growing pressure within the EU to respond more forcefully to the Houthis’ military operations and their wider implications for international security.
Red Sea attacks raise concerns over European trade and energy costs
The resolution strongly condemned Houthi attacks on commercial vessels and energy infrastructure, as well as the movement’s naval blockade affecting Saudi Arabia. Particular concern was expressed over threats to shipping through the Red Sea and the strategically important Bab al-Mandab Strait.
MEPs warned that simultaneous disruption to maritime traffic through the Bab al-Mandab Strait and the Strait of Hormuz could have serious economic consequences for Europe. Restrictions on these key shipping routes risk increasing energy prices, raising costs for European households and businesses, and undermining the EU’s economic competitiveness.
Parliament highlighted the importance of the EU’s defensive maritime security mission, Operation ASPIDES, which is intended to help safeguard commercial shipping. Lawmakers welcomed the operation’s expanded mandate and called on member states to provide additional naval vessels and air assets equipped to carry out its tasks.
MEPs also advocated closer security and defence cooperation between the EU and its Gulf partners. They welcomed contributions from European member states and the United Kingdom to regional air defence efforts.
Humanitarian crisis in Yemen remains a major concern
Alongside its security demands, Parliament warned that renewed fighting is worsening conditions for civilians in Yemen, where years of conflict have created one of the world’s most severe humanitarian emergencies.
MEPs called on the EU to increase humanitarian assistance and ensure that support reaches those in need. They identified the forthcoming Global Europe funding instrument as one potential channel for strengthening the bloc’s engagement.
The resolution also stressed the need for strict monitoring of EU-funded aid to ensure that humanitarian resources are used appropriately and reach their intended beneficiaries.
Through the resolution, the European Parliament has urged a tougher EU response combining counterterrorism measures, financial restrictions, maritime security cooperation and increased humanitarian assistance. The proposed terrorist designation, however, remains a call for action by the EU Council rather than an already implemented decision. Photo by multimedia.europarl.europa.eu
