Middle East escalation: Europe is a global power - it must act like one
The strikes launched on 28 February by Israel and the United States have opened a dangerous new phase in the Middle East - one that Europe neither sought nor controls, but whose consequences are already felt by every European citizen.
But foremost, Renew Europe reaffirms its solidarity with the Iranian people and our support for their right to determine their own future through a democratic transition. Let's remember that the Iranian people have already paid an unbearable price. Thousands of protesters, young men and women, have been massacred or executed for daring to demand freedom. They have been living this tragedy for years, with no end in sight. It is to them, first and foremost, that Europe's support must go.
Iran has retaliated against neighbouring countries hosting US bases. A hardliner has been appointed to succeed Ali Khamenei. There is no sign of de-escalation. This conflict may last - and it is quite clear that there is no strategy for what comes next.
The costs of that absence are real and immediate. The Strait of Hormuz - through which 20% of global oil and gas trade passes - is effectively paralysed, driving up energy prices and squeezing household budgets across the EU. The Islamic regime has mined the Strait of Hormuz, threatening energy supplies and driving up prices. Europe, with 100 minesweepers against only four for the US, must act : we call for robust protection of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, including through temporary shipping insurance and military means.
MEP Bart Groothuis (VVD, Netherlands), Renew Europe shadow rapporteur for Iran, stated :
"Securing freedom of movement and freedom of navigation is a European strategic imperative. That requires three practical steps: calling on member states to provide national guarantees for extreme war-related losses to vessels and cargo so insurers keep ships covered and ensuring EU budget rules to allow such emergency measures, deploying naval escorts to protect crews and vessels, and making clear to markets - through coordination with shipping, insurance and energy companies - that Europe stands behind continued navigation. Whether you think this is Europe's war or not, its consequences are – so deal with a strategic reality."
Bart GroothuisRenew Europe MEP, Netherlands, Volkspartij voor Vrijheid en Democratie
This crisis has exposed the cost of Europe's strategic drift. Renew Europe urges the EU to accelerate energy independence, strengthen defence readiness, and act as a shaper of global events - not a bystander watching them unfold.
Renew Europe calls on the EU to speak with one voice and pursue immediate de-escalation through full diplomatic engagement - from a position of strength, not passivity.
MEP Hilde Vautmans, Renew Europe foreign affairs coordinator, said:
"Europe must show it stands with its citizens and businesses: bring down energy costs, end internal fragmentation, strengthen our own energy supply, and finally act with a clear Iran strategy - because the real question is not what others will do, but what Europe itself will do."
Hilde VautmansRenew Europe MEP, Belgium, Anders
Renew Europe calls on the EU to speak with one voice and pursue immediate de-escalation through full diplomatic engagement - from a position of strength, not passivity.