European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Monday has said there can be no stability in the Middle East while Lebanon remains engulfed in conflict, urging renewed focus on regional de-escalation and maritime security.
She stressed that restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is of “paramount importance,” amid rising tensions affecting global energy and trade routes.
Her remarks come as hostilities continue to intensify in parts of the Middle East, particularly along the Lebanon front, where cross-border clashes have raised concerns of a wider regional spillover.
Von der Leyen also highlighted the economic impact of the ongoing crisis, stating that the European Union’s fossil fuel import bill has increased by 22 billion euros (approximately 25.7 billion US dollars) since the start of the Iran-related conflict.
The European Union has repeatedly called for restraint and diplomatic engagement, warning that prolonged instability in the region could deepen global energy insecurity and inflationary pressures.
The statement reflects growing European concern over both humanitarian fallout and economic disruption linked to escalating Middle East tensions.