EU presses for ceasefire as Middle East conflict jolts global energy markets
Canberra— European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday called for an immediate end to hostilities in the Middle East, warning that the escalating conflict poses a critical threat to global energy supply chains and economic stability.
Speaking alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, von der Leyen said the impact of the crisis was already being felt across economies through rising oil and gas prices.
“We all feel the knock-on effects on gas and oil prices on our businesses and our societies,” she said, highlighting the broader economic repercussions of prolonged instability in a region central to global energy production and transit.
Her remarks come as the Middle East conflict disrupts key supply routes and raises concerns over sustained volatility in energy markets.
The region accounts for a significant share of global oil exports, making it highly sensitive to geopolitical tensions.Von der Leyen emphasized that continued hostilities risk compounding inflationary pressures and undermining business confidence, particularly in energy-importing economies.
She urged all parties to pursue a diplomatic solution, stressing the urgency of de-escalation. “It is of utmost importance that we come to a solution that is negotiated, and this puts an end to the hostilities that we see in the Middle East,” she said.
Her comments reflect growing international concern over the broader economic fallout of the conflict, as governments and institutions monitor its impact on global trade, energy flows and financial markets.
