The EU speaks more and more about “strategic autonomy,” while still not being ready to act when it matters. A significant share of Europe’s oil and gas passes through the strait, so any prolonged disruption would quickly push up prices and hit industry. However, while Europe’s foreign ministers agree that keeping the Strait of Hormuz open is essential for the global economy, they remain unwilling to do what is necessary to secure it, exposing once again the gap between the EU’s ambitions and its capabilities.
In private, EU diplomats acknowledge that the bloc lacks both the means and the political will to take on a larger role without U.S. backing. As a result, Europe once again finds itself in an uncomfortable position: it depends on American protection, but does not want to be involved in the decisions that come with it.
This contradiction became even clearer after direct pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who warned that NATO faces “a very bad future” if allies do not help secure the Strait of Hormuz. Those who benefit from the flow of oil through the Gulf, he said, must be willing to help defend it.