European Union leaders on Friday called for renewed diplomatic efforts to end the Middle East conflict and urged full, permanent freedom of navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. 

Following meetings in Cyprus, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the shared goal was to negotiate a lasting end to the war, including the restoration of free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

European Council President Antonio Costa joined the call that diplomatic efforts must continue with the objective of finding a lasting solution.

Mr Costa said the war in the Middle East has already had disastrous consequences for people, for infrastructure and for the global economy. “And with every day that passes without a solution, the situation is only getting worse.”

He said the Strait of Hormuz must reopen immediately without restrictions or tolls, stressing that freedom of navigation in the waterway remains vital to global trade and economic stability.

Mr Costa also called for continued diplomatic efforts in Lebanon in full respect of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Ms Von der Leyen said stability in the Middle East and the Gulf could not be achieved while Lebanon remained in crisis.

She called for a permanent path toward easing tensions, saying a temporary pause in hostilities was not enough.

She also proposed expanding the scope of the EU’s missions, such as the bloc’s Aspides naval mission, from maritime protection to sophisticated joint maritime coordination.

The EU leaders also warned of the economic impact of the Middle East crisis, particularly on energy prices.

Ms Von der Leyen said the EU’s bill for imported fossil fuels had increased by more than €25 billion ($29.28 billion) since the beginning of the conflict, without bringing in additional energy supplies.

She said the EU would present an electrification action plan by the summer, aimed at accelerating the deployment of homegrown clean energy.

(Xinhua/NAN)