Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-002777/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Elissavet Vozemberg-Vrionidi (PPE)
Houthi rebels launched a fierce attack on a Greek-owned merchant ship bound for Jeddah, which was sailing in the Red Sea, approximately 50 nautical miles west of the Yemeni capital, which is under Houthi control. The attack resulted in the death of one crew member and the serious injury of two others, while causing serious damage. This is the second attack in 24 hours in the Red Sea, as it was preceded – on Sunday 6 July – by a Houthi attack on a Greek-owned merchant ship, which the rebels later announced had sunk. The attack put an end to six months of calm in the Red Sea, one of the busiest shipping lanes, where Houthi attacks had disrupted shipping between Europe and Asia.
Given the worrying international geopolitical situation in the Middle East, as well as the urgent need to ensure safe navigation for European ships:
- 1.What measures does the Commission intend to put in place for the immediate protection of European and Greek-owned merchant ships sailing in the Red Sea, following the recent attacks by Houthi rebels, and to prevent similar attacks in the future?
- 2.Will the Commission encourage action at international level, in particular under the auspices of the International Maritime Organisation, to strengthen international cooperation in the fight against maritime piracy?
Submitted: 8.7.2025