Brussels, Belgium – The European Union has entered the fray in the escalating crisis in the Arabian Gulf region, with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen asserting on Monday that restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is of “paramount importance” to global economic security and geopolitical stability.
These decisive statements follow US President Donald Trump’s announcement of a military takeover of shipping lanes to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas. This move came after the complete collapse of negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
Economic damage and regional tensions
According to Reuters, von der Leyen stated, “The continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz is causing significant damage to the global economy and supply chains. Restoring freedom of navigation through it is an absolute necessity for us in the European Union.”
The Commission President’s warnings were not limited to the maritime issue; she also linked stability in the Middle East to a cessation of military operations on other fronts. She emphasized that “the desired stability in the region cannot be achieved while Lebanon continues to be bombed,” indicating the need for a comprehensive de-escalation.
The exorbitant cost of war
On the domestic economic front, von der Leyen revealed the extent of the losses suffered by the European continent, urging EU member states to urgently and closely coordinate their energy pricing.
She disclosed shocking figures, explaining that fossil fuel bills in Europe had jumped by €22 billion (approximately $25.7 billion) since the start of the war in Iran. This has placed enormous pressure on public budgets and the living standards of European citizens.
French-British move
In a related development, a European initiative led by Paris and London has emerged. French President Emmanuel Macron announced that his country will soon host an international conference in cooperation with Britain. This conference will focus exclusively on establishing mechanisms to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
Macron emphasized that any maritime mission formed will be “purely defensive” in nature and separate from the offensive operations of the warring parties. Macron also wrote on the X platform: “In the coming days, we will organize a conference with Britain and other countries willing to join us in a multinational peacekeeping mission.” This initiative aims to create a “safe passage” for energy, away from the power struggle between Washington and Tehran. It is a last-ditch European attempt to prevent the region from sliding into a full-blown war that could lead to a disastrous global economic collapse.
