Europe Stays Out of Middle East War, Focuses on Energy Prices

In Brussels, European leaders gathered to talk about how the fighting in the Middle East is pushing up oil and gas costs. They said they will not send troops to help the United States or Israel protect the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global oil. The meeting started with worries about rising energy prices, but the war shifted the focus to how Europe can keep its markets stable. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever warned that the conflict has made energy costs spike again. He said if prices stay high for a long time, it could hurt everyone. The agenda also changed from a planned debate about a big loan for Ukraine to dealing with the new energy crisis. Austria’s Chancellor Christian Stocker made it clear that Austria does not want to be forced into military action. He said “Europe will not allow itself to be blackmailed. ” Likewise, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said there is no interest in expanding a naval force to guard the Strait of Hormuz.Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany would only help keep shipping lanes open after the fighting stops. He added that any support would need an international mandate and other complex steps. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten understood the U. S. and Israel’s reasons for attacking Iran but called on Europe to tighten sanctions and back Iranian opposition groups. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez opposed the war outright, calling it illegal and harmful to civilians and refugees. The European Commission told leaders that a mix of financial tools could help lower energy prices, but no single policy will solve the problem across all EU markets. Some countries want to pause climate rules to ease price spikes, while others insist that long‑term energy security depends on building sustainable domestic sources. EU leaders from Italy, Austria, Croatia and others asked the EU to slow its Emissions Trading System because it feels too steep for today’s fragile economies. They see building local energy capacity as the only way to stay secure.