EU development counsellors visit Sana’a

Development Counsellors from the EU Delegation, Germany, France, Netherlands, Ireland and Sweden undertook a technical monitoring mission to Sana’a, Yemen on 5 - 9 March, 2022. This was the first such joint EU mission to the north of Yemen since the beginning of the conflict.

The EU representatives met with a range of development actors, including women entrepreneurs from diverse business areas as well as women involved in academia and grassroots peacebuilding initiatives. The mission team also visited several development projects funded by the EU and EU member states. These projects included support to small businesses, income generation, microfinance, health, water and sanitation, the private sector, education, and culture and heritage restoration.

On the 8 March, International Women’s Day, the mission team met a wide range of Yemeni women and men actively promoting women’s participation in the economy and public life. The EU representatives were inspired by the commitment and ongoing work of these actors and highlighted women’s important contributions to Yemen’s economic development and their central role in building sustainable peace in Yemen.

The EU representatives gained a deeper understanding of the difficult living conditions of people in Sana’a, including as a result of the fuel crisis and the increasing cost of food. The mission observed first-hand the challenges faced by development partners in Yemen, and commended the efforts and impressive work of these organisations. The EU remains committed to supporting the people of Yemen and looks forward to strengthening cooperation efforts in support of sustainable and inclusive development for all.