«الاتحاد الأوروبي»: اعتداءات الحوثيين على السعودية تهدد الاقتصاد العالمي

The European Union's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, announced today (Friday) her rejection of Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia.

Borrell stated in posts on her account on "X": "The Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia are unacceptable and disrupt the global economy," explaining that she spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan about diplomatic efforts to end the fighting in Yemen and restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

She emphasized by saying: "Maritime passage must be smooth and free of fees," clarifying that Europe is helping to protect shipping in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks. She added: "Due to the deteriorating security situation, the EU's 'EUNAVFOR' operation has raised its readiness level for its ships while continuing its escort missions."

Yesterday, the EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, warned of dire consequences for the global economy due to the Houthis' control over the Yemeni coast, and did not rule out the closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Borrell called for strengthening the EU's defensive "EUNAVFOR" operation launched to protect navigation in the Red Sea, stating in a speech before the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France, that "the Houthis have now expanded their control along the critically important Yemeni coast, which could lead to the strangulation of another vital strait, the Bab el-Mandeb."

She added: "The European Union is working in cooperation with international partners to mitigate the effects of these developments, as our EU naval operation (EUNAVFOR) continues to escort ships in the Red Sea, and we will enhance coordination with the multinational maritime coalition recently launched by Saudi Arabia."

The European Union established the "EUNAVFOR" naval mission in February 2024, as part of a defensive operation launched in response to attacks carried out by the Houthis on ships in the Red Sea.