European Union leaders gathered in Brussels on Thursday to address escalating energy costs resulting from military conflict in the Middle East that has disrupted key oil and gas producers and shipping lanes.

The 27-nation summit focused on energy price increases that have affected the bloc amid ongoing warfare involving Iran and Lebanon. Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever said energy prices were already elevated before the conflict began, but the war "created another spike" that could become structural.

The European Commission has presented member nations with various financial instruments designed to lower energy costs, though officials acknowledge no single policy will address the economic impact across the diverse markets spanning from Romania to Ireland. The commission's proposals will be discussed during the summit meetings.

Many EU leaders have declined requests from U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy military assets to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil, gas and fertilizer shipments. Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten characterized the conflict as "a war that was started by the United States and Israel against Iran," while emphasizing that Europe is "not a war that we are part of."

European officials have struggled to establish a unified position on the Middle East fighting. While they have criticized the Iranian government, they have not provided military support to the conflict. Jetten called for increased sanctions on Iran and support for opposition groups within the country.

The energy crisis has emerged as a priority concern alongside fears of a potential new refugee crisis stemming from the regional instability, prompting leaders to make Middle East policy a central focus of the summit discussions.