European Union must support energy sector amid Middle East conflict

Moscow (ANTARA) — The European Union (EU) must be prepared to provide additional support to the energy sector of its member states should the situation in the Middle East worsen, according to European Commissioner for Energy Dan Joergensen.

“We, in the European Union, do not depend on fuel supplies, whether gas or oil, from that region. So we do not have a problem regarding supply security, but we do have a problem with prices when world market prices rise,” Joergensen told reporters ahead of an EU foreign ministers meeting in Brussels on Monday.

“Of course, this also affects us. We also need to prepare ourselves because this situation could escalate further and we need to implement short-term measures to assist member states in such circumstances,” he added.

In March, energy prices surged amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz nearly came to a standstill following the United States and Israel’s bombardment of Iran from 28 February 2026. Military aggression by the US and its closest allies in the Middle East not only caused destruction but also resulted in civilian casualties. Iran retaliated by attacking Israeli territory and American military bases in the Middle East.

The Strait of Hormuz is the main shipping route for oil and liquefied natural gas from Persian Gulf countries to global markets, accounting for approximately 20 percent of global oil, petroleum products, and liquefied natural gas trade.