ABOUT US
About the Ambassador
Patrick Simonnet is an EU career diplomat with extensive experience in the Middle East, Africa and at the headquarters of the EU External Action Service (EEAS). Prior to this appointment, he served as EU Special Envoy for the Mediterranean (2023–2025) and earlier as EU Ambassador to Saudi Arabia (2020–2023), also accredited to Bahrain, Oman, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). From 2017 to 2020, he headed the East Africa/Horn of Africa Division at EEAS, and between 2015 and 2017, he was EU Ambassador to Iraq. Earlier in his career, Patrick worked on crisis management at the European Commission, served at the EU Delegations to South Africa and Madagascar, and headed the Conflict Prevention Team at DG External Relations of the European Commission. He began his career as Desk Officer for Türkiye, handling trade negotiations and political relations under the pre-accession strategy. He served as an EU peacekeeper in Somalia between 1992 and 1993. Patrick holds a degree in international economics from ENSAE-Paris. He speaks French (mother tongue), English, Spanish and intermediate Arabic, and is married with three children.
-
Image
CopyrightEU
EU Ambassador to Yemen Patrick Simonnet
Message from the Ambassador
Dear visitor,
Welcome to the website of the EU Delegation to Yemen.
My name is Patrick Simonnet, and I took up my duties as EU Ambassador to Yemen on 01 September 2025. It is a privilege to assume this role and contribute to strengthening EU-Yemen relationship.
The EU has a longstanding partnership with Yemen and remains firmly engaged in supporting the people of Yemen. Together with my colleagues at the Delegation, I will work hand in hand with Yemeni actors, the United Nations, regional partners and the international community to advance political efforts, address humanitarian needs and foster resilience and development.
Yemen has endured more than a decade of conflict, with too much suffering and loss. My foremost commitment is to support and contribute to efforts aimed at ending this conflict and opening a path towards peace, stability and recovery for all Yemenis.
Before this posting, I served in various capacities within the European External Action Service (EEAS) and ambassadorial postings overseas, including as EU Ambassador to Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman and the GCC. These experiences have deepened my understanding of the wider regional dynamics, and I am committed to putting this knowledge at the service of our shared goal: supporting Yemenis in their pursuit of a lasting and inclusive peace.
The EU and its Member States continue to stand with Yemen through humanitarian assistance and cooperation programmes that support livelihoods, basic services and recovery. Beyond addressing today’s challenges, we believe in Yemen’s future – a country with a rich heritage and great potential waiting to be unlocked.
I look forward to engaging with Yemenis from all walks of life, listening to their aspirations, and working together with all partners for a better future for all Yemenis.
Thank you,