The European Union today condemned the recent threats by the Houthi militia to impose a naval blockade on navigation in the Red Sea, stressing that they represent a direct threat to regional stability and a dangerous escalation in the area.

The European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, clarified in a statement today that the attack targeting an oil tanker in the Red Sea is 'unacceptable and illegal,' warning against such actions that further fuel the tense situation in the region.

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Protecting freedom of navigation

It affirmed that the European naval mission ASPIDES will continue its commitment to protecting freedom of navigation for all ships in the Red Sea and surrounding international waters, in accordance with its defensive nature and operational plan, stressing the need to ensure unimpeded freedom of navigation in both the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea. The European Union also called on the Houthi militia in the statement to comply with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and to adhere to UN Security Council Resolution 2216 on Yemen, Resolutions 2722 and 2826 on freedom of navigation, and to immediately cease all actions that endanger international navigation and the lives of seafarers.