EU chief Ursula von der Leyen calls for immediate halt to Middle East hostilities

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Tuesday urged an immediate end to hostilities in West Asia, warning that the conflict poses a “critical” threat to global energy supply chains.

Speaking alongside Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra, von der Leyen said the ripple effects were already being felt worldwide. “We all feel the knock-on effects on gas and oil prices on our businesses and our societies,” she noted.

She stressed the need for a diplomatic resolution, adding that “it is of utmost importance that we come to a negotiated solution that brings an end to the hostilities in the Middle East.”