The European Union and Yemen enjoy longstanding relations, which date back to 1997 when the first official cooperation agreement was signed.

Seven Member States are represented in Sana’a: Bulgaria, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and the United Kingdom.

In July 1998 an enhanced framework co-operation agreement focusing on commercial, development and economic issues came into force.

Following the Arab Spring and the departure of Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, the European Parliament urged the High Representative to reassess ties to Yemen.

[2] While Parliament were supportive of the uprising, the High Representative concentrated on organising evacuation of EU citizens due to fear of civil war.