On the escalation of Houthi attacks and implications for regional security
B-10-2026-0482
on behalf of the PPE Group · Rapporteur: Michael Gahler, Antonio LópezIstúriz White, David McAllister, Sebastião Bugalho, Reinhold Lopatka
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Parliament's resolution condemns Houthi drone and missile attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and other strikes, and expresses solidarity with Saudi Arabia and Yemen's government.¶¶¶ It demands the Houthis cease hostilities, end attacks on civilian shipping and respect international law, and calls Iran to stop arming and supporting them.¶¶ It calls for closer EU-Gulf security and defence cooperation, including between Operations ASPIDES and ATALANTA, and swift EU strategic partnership agreements with Gulf Cooperation Council countries.¶¶ It backs stronger humanitarian aid and access for Yemen, a UN-led political process, and asks the High Representative to propose listing the Houthis as a terrorist organisation.¶¶¶
Key points
- Condemns the Houthi drone and missile attacks on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh and other destabilising acts, and offers condolences to victims' families.¶
- Expresses full solidarity with the Government and people of Saudi Arabia against the Houthi military campaign.¶
- Denounces the Houthis' military escalation in Yemen and the threat it poses to regional security, civilians and civilian infrastructure.¶
- Demands the Houthis immediately cease hostilities, abandon territorial ambitions, end attacks on civilian shipping and repression, and comply with international law, including UN Security Council resolutions on Yemen and freedom of navigation.¶
- Expresses solidarity with Yemen's legitimate government and commits to working with the UN and regional partners for de-escalation and a comprehensive, inclusive and sustainable peace.¶
- Condemns Iran's regional interference, calls it the largest threat to regional security and the main obstacle to peace, and urges it to stop financial, military and logistical support to the Houthis; calls on all parties to exercise restraint.¶
- Calls for enhanced EU-Gulf security and defence cooperation, including operational synergies between Operation ASPIDES and Operation ATALANTA and partnerships in air defence, critical infrastructure protection, cybersecurity, satellite technology, electronic warfare and counter-drone systems.¶
- Encourages a stronger EU strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia and swift completion of strategic partnership agreements with Gulf Cooperation Council countries, with a strong security and defence pillar.¶
- Supports the Yemeni population, civil society and human rights defenders, and calls on the EU and member states to strengthen humanitarian assistance and guarantee safe and unhindered humanitarian access.¶
- Reiterates support for a UN-led, inclusive political process in Yemen as the only lasting path to peace.¶
- Calls on the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative to propose adding the Houthis to the EU's list of terrorist organisations.¶
Who is affected
- The Houthis: told to cease hostilities, end attacks on shipping and respect international law, and proposed for the EU terrorist list.¶¶
- Iran: urged to stop arming and supporting the Houthis and to cease attacks.¶
- Saudi Arabia and Gulf states: offered EU solidarity and closer security, defence and partnership cooperation.¶¶¶
- Yemen's population and government: backed with humanitarian support and a UN-led political process.¶¶¶
- The EU and member states: asked to boost humanitarian aid and security cooperation with Gulf partners.¶
Figures and deadlines
- 10 October 2026: catastrophic strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh.¶
- At least 20 people killed and more than 300 injured in the airport attacks.
- 12 % to 15 % of global maritime trade passes each year through the Bab el-Mandab Strait.¶
- An estimated 90 % of undersea fibre-optic cables connecting Europe and Asia pass through the Red Sea region.¶
- In 2025, 19.5 million people in Yemen required humanitarian assistance and protection.¶
- Approximately 17.1 million Yemenis faced acute food insecurity and malnutrition, with about 500 000 children needing treatment for severe acute malnutrition.
- 17.8 million people remained without access to basic healthcare services in Yemen.