MED9 in Croatia sought an answer to the Hormuz blockade — The National
Leaders of the MED9 group in Croatia, with the participation of Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein, discussed the energy crisis linked to Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Meeting participants also considered the risk of restrictions on maritime shipping in the Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthi forces, The National reports.
Energy and contacts with Iran
MED9 includes Croatia, Cyprus, France, Greece, Italy, Malta, Portugal, Slovenia and Spain. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa and Prince Albert II of Monaco also took part in the working lunch dedicated to crises in the Middle East.
French President Emmanuel Macron said that the summit’s key issues included energy prices, ensuring supplies, work towards stability in the Middle East and preparations for the next European Council meeting. Before the meeting, a Macron adviser said that the priority was to discuss contacts with the US president and Iranian authorities to help resolve the crisis and ensure security and maritime transit.
High transport costs
Amid discontent in Europe over high fuel prices caused by tensions around sea routes in the Persian Gulf, Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni are expected to seek additional funding from EU institutions. The G7 countries previously announced they would release 100 million barrels of oil and diesel fuel to ease price pressure.
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Macron said last week that routes were gradually reopening, but transport costs remained high. According to the publication, the Houthis on Monday took control of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Dubab area leading to the sea route, and the strategic port city of Mocha. They had previously stated their intention to block passage for Saudi Arabian vessels.
Alternative routes and migration
European leaders are expected to continue promoting routes alternative to the Strait of Hormuz, including the development of oil pipelines through Syria. Another area is accelerating the implementation of the Great Sea Interconnector, a planned 1,300-kilometre subsea energy cable between Greece, Cyprus and Israel, partly funded by the EU.
Southern Mediterranean countries are also concerned about new EU measures to curb illegal migration. Last week, the European Commission proposed strengthening border controls after the mass arrival of migrants in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in North Africa. The plan requires approval from member states and envisages strengthening the mandate of the Frontex agency and providing it with a standing corps for immediate deployment.
