Good evening and welcome to all of you to this gathering, “Masa al-Khair wa ahlan wa sahlan bikum djamean”.

Europe Day is a day to celebrate our unity, diversity and achievements in Europe. On 9 May 1950, the Schuman Declaration was signed, pooling coal and steel production in Europe together, and thereby laying the foundation for peace, unity and prosperity on a continent ravaged by war. 

Today, 73 years later, our continent is going through a critical period in its history, with the war raging in Ukraine. We have seen how peace and security in Europe can be fragile, and how we must work to preserve, promote, and defend it. The war has already changed Europe, and despite all the horrors, I believe we will come out stronger and more unified.

As we all know, war and conflict is hardly news to the world beyond Europe. A new cycle of violence has just broken out in Sudan.  In Sudan, as in Ukraine, Yemen and everywhere else, it is the civilian population that pays the price for war. Let me take a moment as tribute to them.

Despite a war in Europe and increasing economic challenges, the EU has remained active and engaged in Yemen. The outbreak of new conflicts and hotbeds of tension around the world has not diverted the EU's attention from Yemen. And while conflict has increased elsewhere, Yemen has witnessed important positive developments over the course of the last twelve months. 

A year ago, when we met to celebrate Europe Day, Yemen had entered into an unprecedented hopeful chapter since the outbreak of the conflict. The truce brokered by UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg, who unfortunately could not be here with us tonight and whom I salute for his tireless efforts, ushered in a period of relative calm, the longest such period Yemen has seen in the last 8 years of war.

The truce, although not renewed last October, has nevertheless maintained a state of relative stability with a significant decline in hostilities across the country. Many Yemenis continue benefitting from flights between Sana’a and Amman, and from many more shipments entering Hodeida ports. 

Although there is still a long way to go, we are sensing a political will  to turn the page on the conflict in Yemen. We have all followed and welcomed the efforts in particular of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Sultanate of Oman in recent months, and we hope that they will lead to a favourable outcome soon. With UNSE Grundberg announcing a reinstated, extended and expanded truce paving the way for a cease-fire and, importantly, a comprehensive and inclusive peace process between Yemenis under UN auspices. For the European Union, a comprehensive and inclusive political process is of paramount importance, as we believe that only such a process can lead to a sustainable peace in Yemen.

If I had to make a brief assessment of our action this past year, I would say that we have been particularly active in three strategic areas that underline the importance of the European Union’s engagement in Yemen. 

 Firstly, on the political front, we have actively supported the UNSE's efforts to bring about lasting peace in Yemen. We have undertaken together with our Member States no less than five visits to Aden (a sixth is planned in a few days), not to mention the numerous visits of our cooperation and ECHO colleagues to Sana'a and elsewhere in the country. We had substantial exchanges with leaders representing the diversity of Yemeni political currents, with the Yemeni diaspora here in Amman and in the region, with civil society actors, human rights activists and women’s rights defenders. The regular interactions we have with the Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) culminated in the visit of His Excellency Rashad Al Alimi, President of the PLC, to Brussels this past February. He had the opportunity to meet with European Council President Michel, High Representative Borrell and many other senior EU officials and European interlocutors. These engagements have helped strengthen the partnership and bilateral relationship with the Yemeni authorities. 

 Secondly, on the humanitarian front. Despite, some improvements and the reduction of conflict, enormous humanitarian needs remain. It is critical to maintain humanitarian support to ensure gains made are not lost. The EU has always been a reliable partner for Yemen on humanitarian matters. In this respect, during the high-level pledging event held in Geneva in February, the EU was the largest contributor. The EU and its Member States made the biggest pledge (some USD 500 million altogether). In spite of the new crises that have erupted around the world and the budgetary constraints we face, we are working every day to ensure that Yemen remains a priority for the EU.

Finally, on the development cooperation front. I am proud to note that we have been particularly active over the last year as one of the largest development donors in Yemen, focusing on building resilience, supporting the economy, and promoting peace, security and human rights. In addition to our good relations with the Yemeni authorities, our engagement with and support to civil society and non-governmental organisations is fundamental - they will be key players in tomorrow's peace. 

Our combined action in these three areas all support a common simple objective: lasting peace in Yemen, for all Yemenis. 

Obviously, “all Yemenis” includes the half of the population that is currently largely excluded from peace efforts: the Yemeni women. In addition to their limited political participation, I am deeply concerned about the restrictions being placed on women's freedom of movement in parts of the country, particularly in the north. This undermines Yemeni women’s ability to work, gain financial independence, participate in society and contribute to the delivery of essential humanitarian and social services.

To these women, I want to extend my support. Besides violating women’s civil, political and human rights, excluding women from politics and society will be detrimental for the possibilities of sustainable peace, prosperity and development for Yemen. Yemen is no exception, no country can prosper if half of the population is excluded. 

To all the silent voices and to those who sometimes risk their lives to fight against the implementation of these restrictive practices, I express my admiration and support. 

To the young Yemenis who are also largely excluded from decision making about the future of their country and who have been deprived of their childhood and youth because of the war, I want to remind you that you are the Yemen of tomorrow, the lifeblood of the nation. You will need to do right where those before you have done wrong because you are the owners and custodians of Yemen’s future.

 Finally, I cannot conclude without a word of appreciation for all my colleagues of the Delegation who continue to do a wonderful job. Thank you for everything! 

I would like to devote a special thought for our colleagues from Sana'a who could not be with us this evening: Ahmed, Loubna, Mohamed, Munia and Zaid. Thank you for all the work you do. And for being our physical and human connection to Yemen while we are in “exile”. This evening will not be the same without your presence.

 Thank you!