The European Union announced on Monday that it would examine ways to help keep the Strait of Hormuz open to navigation, as energy and commodity prices surge with the war between Iran, Israel, and the United States entering its third week.
اضافة اعلان
"It is in our interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and that is why we are also discussing what we can do from the European side in this regard," said Kaja Kallas, the EU's Foreign Policy Chief, ahead of a meeting of the 27 EU foreign ministers in Brussels.
Military Options: Aspides or a Coalition of the Willing
Kallas explained that the EU might expand its naval mission, "Aspides"—originally established to protect Red Sea shipping—to include the Arabian Gulf. Alternatively, it may form a "coalition of the willing," where member states contribute military assets on a temporary basis.
While Saudi Aramco operates a pipeline network that bypasses the strait to reach the Yanbu terminal on the Red Sea, the global impact remains severe. Brent crude has risen by over 40%, and supply chains for medicine from India and semiconductors from Asia have been disrupted.
European Perspectives
France: President Emmanuel Macron indicated that France is working with partners in Europe, India, and Asia on a potential international mission to escort ships, though he stressed this should occur "when conditions permit"—implying a de-escalation in fighting.
Germany: Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized the need for clarity from the U.S. and Israel regarding their military objectives. He also expressed support for sanctions against those responsible for closing the strait, describing the Iranian government as a "major threat" to global trade.
Luxembourg: Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel remained cautious, noting that the EU is not yet a direct party to the conflict and that a decision on military involvement is "significant."
Migration Concerns
Beyond trade, the EU is bracing for a potential refugee crisis. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated on Sunday that while the conflict has not yet led to immediate migration flows toward the EU, the future remains uncertain, requiring the full mobilization of "migration diplomacy tools."
