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

European leaders gathered in Brussels to discuss how the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is driving up oil and gas prices. They agreed not to deploy troops to support the United States or Israel in protecting the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil route. While the meeting began with concerns about rising energy prices, the war shifted focus to maintaining market stability across Europe.

• Belgium: Prime Minister Bart De Wever warned that the conflict has caused energy costs to spike again. He cautioned that prolonged high prices could hurt everyone.
• Austria: Chancellor Christian Stocker made it clear that Austria does not want to be forced into military action, stating “Europe will not allow itself to be blackmailed.”
• Estonia: EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reiterated there is no interest in expanding a naval force to guard the Strait of Hormuz.
• Germany: Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Germany would only help keep shipping lanes open after the fighting stops, emphasizing the need for an international mandate and other complex steps.
• Netherlands: Prime Minister Rob Jetten understood the U.S. and Israel’s reasons for attacking Iran but called on Europe to tighten sanctions and support Iranian opposition groups.
• Spain: Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez opposed the war outright, calling it illegal and harmful to civilians and refugees.

The European Commission suggested that a mix of financial tools could help lower energy prices, but acknowledged no single policy will solve the problem across all EU markets. Some countries propose pausing climate rules to ease price spikes, while others insist that long‑term energy security depends on building sustainable domestic sources.

• Italy, Austria, Croatia and other EU leaders 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.