European leaders urged a reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and a halt to attacks on water and energy infrastructure as they gathered in Brussels on Thursday, with the war in the Middle East driving up energy prices and raising fears of a new refugee crisis.In a joint statement, 27 EU leaders said they were closely watching the conflict’s widening economic and humanitarian impact. They called for “de-escalation and maximum restraint,” pressed Iran to stop strikes across the Persian Gulf, and backed international efforts to avoid a large-scale displacement crisis. The statement also noted that some EU countries are considering ways to protect freedom of navigation through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.Despite pressure from US President Donald Trump, European governments showed little willingness to send military assets to the region. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said the latest surge in energy costs could become a serious structural problem for Europe if prolonged. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas added that there was “no appetite” among member states to broaden Europe’s naval role or be drawn further into the conflict.Still, France, Germany, Italy and the Netherlands joined the United Kingdom and Japan in supporting “appropriate efforts” to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping. They demanded that Iran immediately end drone and missile attacks and any attempts to obstruct the waterway.Germany’s Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Berlin could only consider contributing to maritime security once fighting had stopped and an international mandate was in place. Austria’s Chancellor Christian Stocker was more direct, saying Europe would not be “blackmailed” into joining the US and Israeli campaign and ruling out Austrian involvement.Divisions also emerged over the war itself. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten said he understood the motives behind US and Israeli action and called for tougher sanctions on Tehran. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez condemned the war as illegal, warning of growing harm to civilians, refugees and the wider global economy.Alongside the Middle East crisis, leaders also discussed fresh ways to fund Ukraine after Hungary again blocked agreement on a major EU loan.What do you make of this?•