Saudi Arabia Reportedly Presses EU to Designate Houthis as Terrorists

Saudi Arabia is reportedly pressing the European Union to designate Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis as a terrorist organization. Six European officials described the initiative, disclosed on November 12, and resistance from European governments concerned about preserving contacts with the movement and a role in an eventual Yemeni peace process. A designation requires agreement among all 27 EU member states. One of the officials said only a small number currently support the proposal, without identifying them. EU foreign-policy spokesperson Anouar El Anouni acknowledged regular discussions with Riyadh about regional developments but declined to address the particular discussions. The Saudi government’s communications office did not respond to the inquiry. The European Parliament had already called for a terrorist listing in a resolution adopted on October 22. Its demand covered the Houthis’ political and military wings, leadership, and military and security apparatus. Parliament also urged action against the movement’s financing and weapons supply routes. That resolution condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi civilian infrastructure and previous attacks against Israel and the United Arab Emirates. It supported the EU’s defensive ASPIDES maritime operation and additional naval and air assets, alongside humanitarian access and diplomatic engagement. Parliament specifically referred to British and EU member states’ regional air-defense assistance and French support for securing Saudi Arabia’s Yanbu oil terminal.