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Over 3 billion euros in 10 days/ Europe, hit hard by the war in the Middle East
2026-03-11 18:44:32 / BOTA
The geopolitical shockwaves in the Middle East are having a direct impact on the European economy. During a plenary session in the European Parliament on Wednesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen declared that just ten days of conflict have cost European taxpayers an additional €3 billion in fossil fuel imports.
Her speech, which touched on energy security and the EU's stance on the crisis in the Middle East and Iran, has sparked strong and polarized reactions among European political groups.
Energy bill and European dependence
Von der Leyen stressed that the European Union is not immune to price shocks, despite efforts to diversify. She presented worrying figures regarding energy markets since the beginning of the last conflict.
Gas has increased by 50%, while oil has increased by 27%.
"This is the price of our dependence," she declared, warning sharply against any idea of returning to Russian energy, a move she said would make Europe "more vulnerable and weaker."
The President also defended the Emissions Trading System (ETS), arguing that without it, the EU would have consumed 100 billion cubic meters of gas more, although she acknowledged the need to modernize it. The Commission is considering new measures to ease the burden on households and businesses, including the use of long-term contracts (PPAs) and possible gas price caps. She also announced a new roadmap, "One Europe, One Market" , expected to be presented at the upcoming summit of EU leaders.
Tough stance on Iran
On the foreign policy front, von der Leyen took a tough stance on developments in Iran.
"We will not shed tears," she said of the fall of the Iranian regime. "Many Iranians celebrated the fall of Khamenei. This is what the Iranian people deserve: freedom, dignity and the right to decide their own future."
She recalled the regime's history of violence, citing the repression of citizens, support for regional terrorism, and assistance provided to Russia in the war against Ukraine.
Reactions, from support to harsh criticism
The Commission President's speech caused immediate and varied reactions in the Strasbourg chamber, as well as from European capitals.
The Spanish government had nuanced positions. While the Minister of the Presidency, Félix Bolaños, said he felt "more comfortable" with von der Leyen's emphasis on peace, the Minister of Defense, Margarita Robles, warned her against accepting a new international order where "the law of the strongest prevails."
There was also a reaction from the EU socialists. Leader Iratxe García Perez called it "unacceptable" to justify the attack on Iran by not feeling sorry for the regime. "It is one thing not to cry for the regime and another to remain silent in the face of the death of innocents," she said.
From the EU Left, MEP Manon Aubry used very harsh tones, accusing von der Leyen of incompetence in stopping the war in Palestine and declaring: "If you accept the war, send your children there."
The Liberals (Renew), through Valeria Hayer, demanded that Europe not remain a "subcontractor of the United States" in managing the consequences left by American diplomacy.
Meanwhile, Patriots for Europe, through Jordan Bardella (France), focused on Israel's security, stating that "a Lebanon without Hezbollah is the greatest security guarantee for Israel," despite the new regional instability.
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