EU Ambassador to Yemen Patrick Simonnet and Netherlands Ambassador to Yemen Jeannette Seppen concluded a visit to Marib on 29 June 2026, underscoring continued EU engagement in Yemen at the political, humanitarian and development levels, and reaffirming support for the country's stability, resilience and recovery. The visit included meetings with local authorities, project visits, and exchanges with civil society, highlighting the EU's commitment to a comprehensive political settlement to the conflict.
During the visit, the Ambassadors met PLC Vice President and Governor of Marib Sultan al-Aradah to discuss recent developments, local priorities and peace efforts. They praised Marib's resilience, its role in hosting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and its contribution to keeping state institutions functioning under difficult circumstances. The delegation also visited several EU- and Netherlands-funded projects, including weather stations and early warning systems aimed at strengthening climate monitoring and preparedness.
The Ambassadors held extensive exchanges with tribal leaders, civil society representatives and journalists to discuss community needs and support for local actors in promoting stability and social cohesion. At al-Jufainah IDP camp, they met displaced Yemenis and reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting IDPs and host communities through humanitarian assistance, basic services and longer-term resilience support. The visit also included a meeting with the leadership of Safer Oil Company, where the Ambassadors highlighted the importance of Yemen's energy sector for economic recovery, public revenues and the delivery of basic services.
The EU reiterates that there is no military solution to the conflict, and that only a comprehensive political settlement can put Yemen back on the path to stability and recovery. The visit did not announce new funding or policy measures, but served to reaffirm existing EU priorities and partnerships in Yemen.