European Parliament votes to urge EU terrorist designation for Houthis

The European Parliament approved a resolution on October 22, 2026, calling for Yemen's Houthis to be added to the European Union list of terrorist organisations, Euronews reported. The non-binding text was adopted by a large majority of MEPs in a show of hands. The resolution also urges a freeze on all funds belonging to the Yemeni group. [1]

According to Euronews, the vote follows a recent escalation in attacks on Saudi Arabia by the Iran-backed group. The attacks prompted the United Kingdom to pledge defensive missions to protect Riyadh. Meanwhile, the European Union is struggling to increase its naval presence in the Red Sea to protect commercial vessels from potential attacks. [1]

As FTMQ News reported earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi previously held a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud following Houthi attacks on Saudi airports. Between 12 and 13 people were killed in an attack on the airport in Riyadh, and Tehran offered to help facilitate talks between Saudi Arabia and the Houthis. [5]

The Houthis captured Sanaa in September 2014 and became the de facto rulers of much of western Yemen, including key ports and population centres. The group initially clashed with the Yemeni government during the Sa'dah Wars between 2004 and 2010 before advancing southward during the 2011 uprising in Yemen. [3]