EU Seeks Alternative Routes to Reduce Dependence on Hormuz Strait

JAKARTA - The European Union will focus on avoiding the Strait of Hormuz in trade routes with the region by finding alternative routes.

"We will... discuss how to reduce our dependence on transit through the strait," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said at a press conference reported by ANTARA from Sputnik, Monday, June 15.

"For example, alternative export routes that are more robust and offer many options have been created, and other routes will be built - a classic example is IMEC," he added, referring to the planned India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor project.

Von der Leyen noted the EU once again saw how their dependence on energy had "been weaponized", sparking discussions on ways to reduce the bloc's dependence on the delivery of commodities through the Strait of Hormuz.

The European Commission President welcomed the recent announcement of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran, while stressing "the current priority is its implementation."

He stressed that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened and freedom of navigation must be restored without fees, adding that it was essential for regional stability and the global economy.