Aden (South24 Center)

The European Union Mission to Yemen marked "Europe Day" on Tuesday (May 13) in the capital, Aden. This event, the first of its kind to be held in the capital in years, was attended by government officials, diplomats, and representatives from international organizations, as well as media and civil society institutions, including Jacob Al-Sufyani, Regional Director of South24 Center in Aden.

During the event, Yemeni Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Shaya Al-Zindani, stated that holding the celebration in Aden sends a message that "terrorism will not succeed in undermining the presence of the state and its institutions."

Al-Zindani revealed the scale of EU support to Yemen since the outbreak of the war, noting that it has "exceeded one billion euros."

He emphasized the importance of partnership with the EU in supporting state institutions and humanitarian and developmental programs, amid the political, economic, and security challenges facing the country.

For his part, the EU Ambassador to Yemen, Patrick Simonnet, stated that the killing of Wissam Qaid, Acting Executive Director of the Social Fund for Development, "has only increased the EU's determination to support state institutions."

The EU Ambassador reaffirmed the Union's readiness to enhance its direct engagement to facilitate the return of Yemeni parties to dialogue, stressing that "a sustainable solution to the conflict in Yemen can only be achieved through a comprehensive political settlement."

He added that the EU experience has proven that "even the bitterest of enemies can negotiate and agree on peace and a shared vision for the future," considering that the stability of the Red Sea is directly linked to the stability of Yemen.

Furthermore, he pointed out that Houthi practices against humanitarian workers have led to a "mass exodus" of UN agencies and several international partners from areas under the group's control.

"Europe Day" marks the anniversary of the Schuman Declaration issued on May 9, 1950, which formed the foundation for the idea of the European Union. It is celebrated annually as an occasion symbolizing peace and cooperation among European nations.

Yemen and the European Union have maintained official cooperative relations since July 1998, following the entry into force of the Cooperation Agreement between the two sides. While initially focused on economic and trade development, the partnership has since expanded to cover various political, humanitarian, and developmental files.