Aden — The European Union has issued a stark warning that Yemen is teetering on the edge of a catastrophic famine, calling for immediate and coordinated international intervention to prevent a humanitarian collapse.

In a statement released following the 7th Senior Officials Meeting on Yemen, the EU emphasized that the risk of famine is “real and imminent,” citing alarming figures: over 17 million Yemenis are currently facing acute food insecurity, with more than 1 million children under five suffering from life-threatening malnutrition.

To address the crisis, the EU announced an emergency allocation of €9 million to the World Food Programme (WFP), reinforcing its commitment to humanitarian aid in the region. This funding is part of a broader effort to support life-saving operations amid dwindling resources and escalating needs.

“The international community must act now,” the EU declared, stressing that humanitarian assistance must be based on actual needs and delivered swiftly to the most vulnerable populations. The bloc also reaffirmed its support for the UN-led peace process and called for the protection of civilians and humanitarian workers, many of whom face increasing threats on the ground.

The warning comes as Yemen enters its tenth year of conflict, with aid organizations reporting severe funding shortfalls and deteriorating access to essential services. Over 19.5 million people now require humanitarian assistance, and the country’s health system is on the brink of collapse.

Humanitarian agencies and civil society groups echoed the EU’s call, urging donors to scale up flexible and predictable funding to sustain critical aid delivery. Without urgent action, they warned, years of progress could be undone, plunging Yemen deeper into crisis.

As the situation worsens, the EU and its partners stress that time is running out. The world must respond with resolve and solidarity to avert one of the worst famines in recent history.