European Union Condemns Houthi Militia’s Threats to Navigation, Reaffirms Commitment to Protecting Freedom of Navigation in the Red Sea

SPA - Brussels

Publication date: July 23, 2026 19:23 KSA

A A

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

The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, said in a statement today that the attack targeting an oil tanker in the Red Sea was 'unacceptable and illegal,' warning that such actions further inflame the already tense situation in the region. She affirmed that the European naval operation 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 mandate 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 in the statement demanded that the Houthi militia comply with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, adhere to UN Security Council Resolution 2216 concerning Yemen, and Resolutions 2722 and 2826 related to freedom of navigation, and immediately cease all actions that endanger international navigation and the lives of seafarers.