The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, stated on Wednesday that the war in the Middle East is having significant repercussions on the European economy. She emphasized that the bloc's objective is to reach a permanent end to the war and restore full freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz without the imposition of any fees.
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In a speech before the European Parliament, von der Leyen added that the European Union wants the current ceasefire in Iran and Lebanon to hold, highlighting the urgent need to re-establish peace and stability through diplomatic means. She warned that the consequences of this conflict could resonate for months or even years to come.
Energy Crisis and Strategic Autonomy
Addressing the energy sector, the Commission President remarked: "This is the second energy crisis in four years, and the lesson is crystal clear: our over-reliance on imported fossil fuels makes us vulnerable. We must reduce this over-dependence and strengthen our domestic supply of clean, affordable energy—ranging from renewables to nuclear power—while remaining fully committed to the principle of technological neutrality."
Von der Leyen stressed that the EU needs to "curb energy demand by modernizing systemic energy use" and implementing reforms to the electricity grid. "Let us seize this opportunity to electrify—not just in the transport sector, but also in industry and heating. This is not merely a matter of cost savings and competitiveness; it is a matter of economic security. When speaking of European independence, the time has come to electrify Europe."
On Russia and the "Digital Iron Curtain"
Regarding Russia, she warned that as the Russian economy suffers under the weight of sanctions, "the Kremlin is responding in an extraordinary way by restricting the internet and free communications."
She added: "To the extent that Russians feel as though they are living behind an Iron Curtain again; this time, a digital Iron Curtain. But if history has one lesson, it is that all walls eventually fall."
