nytimes.com
Source: nytimes.com
- EU leaders convene in Brussels on March 19, 2026, to tackle soaring energy prices from the Iran war and attacks on key facilities like Qatar's Ras Laffan gas field.
- Gas prices spiked 30-35% amid Strait of Hormuz closure, threatening Europe's economy while Hungary's Viktor Orban ties Ukraine aid to oil deliveries.
- Leaders push measures like ETS tweaks, carbon market adjustments, and IEA reserves to stabilize markets without committing to secure shipping routes.
EU heads of state and government meet in Brussels to confront a geopolitical crisis blending the Iran war's energy fallout, Ukraine aid stalls, and Middle East attacks disrupting oil and gas. Attacks on Iran's facilities and Qatar's largest LNG site, plus Strait of Hormuz shutdowns, have ignited price surges unseen since 2022. This summit tests Europe's unity as it balances energy shocks, recession risks, and support for Ukraine against internal rifts like Hungary's vetoes.