JAKARTA - The head of the European Union warned that the Blue Continent might spend years dealing with the impact of the US-Israeli war in Iran, signaling that the surge in energy prices would not subside soon.
"There is also a bitter reality that we need to face: the consequences of this conflict can echo for months or even years to come," European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told the European Parliament in Strasbourg on Wednesday, launching Al Arabiya from Bloomberg (29/4).
The alarming message comes as Europe faces an energy and supply crisis as a result of the war, which prompted Iran to block the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for commercial shipping.
The Blue Continent is now in a slump due to high oil and gas prices, and is worried about the scarcity of important products such as jet fuel and fertilizer.
Von der Leyen noted that the European Union has spent an additional 27 billion euros on fossil fuel imports since the war began at the end of February.
Meanwhile, the Bruegel think tank estimates that EU countries have committed more than 10 billion euros to protect consumers and businesses from rising energy prices.
Last Sunday, the commission proposed a series of first steps to address the looming energy crisis, but EU leaders urged more aggressive measures during a summit on Friday.
However, EU leaders are divided on the pace of support. Some favor a gradual approach, while others want a package of larger measures at the start, said people familiar with the matter on condition of anonymity.
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