Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have approved a resolution calling for the Houthi group in Yemen to be added to the European Union's list of terrorist organizations. The non-binding text, which was adopted by a large majority through a show of hands, advocates for the freezing of all funds and economic resources linked to the group and its facilitators.
Inclusion on this list would trigger significant financial consequences, including the freezing of bank accounts and property held by the group within EU member states. Furthermore, it would prohibit individuals and companies across the European Union from providing any form of financing to the organization. While the Parliament has issued this request, the final authority rests with EU member states, which must reach a unanimous decision to implement such a listing.
The push for this designation follows a recent escalation in Houthi attacks targeting Saudi Arabia. These actions prompted the United Kingdom to commit to defensive missions intended to protect Riyadh. Simultaneously, the European Union is working to bolster its naval presence in the Red Sea to safeguard commercial vessels against potential strikes. MEPs highlighted the critical nature of the EU’s Red Sea naval mission, known as Aspides, and urged member states to contribute additional air and naval assets. Currently, the mission operates with three vessels from Italy and Greece, with pledges from Belgium and the Netherlands for two more. However, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas has stated that a minimum of 10 ships is required for the mission to be effective.
The European Parliament justified its stance by citing the Houthi naval blockade of Saudi Arabia and repeated assaults on commercial shipping and energy infrastructure in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb strait. These disruptions have caused significant maritime traffic issues and contributed to rising energy prices in the region. Formally known as Ansar Allah, the group has been engaged in conflict with Yemen's internationally recognized government since 2014. In July, the Houthis launched a major offensive along the Red Sea coast to seize control of the waterway, which is vital for global energy and cargo transport. Although a counteroffensive by a Saudi-led coalition reclaimed much of the territory, the group continues to threaten international vessels traversing the strait. The Houthis have stated they will allow safe passage to all ships except those linked to Saudi Arabia, while persisting in their attacks on airports and energy facilities within the neighboring kingdom.
