BRUSSELS, March 19 (Reuters) - European Union leaders called on Thursday for a moratorium on military strikes on energy and water facilities in the Middle East, amid growing concerns about the impact
EU Leaders Urge Moratorium on Middle East Energy and Water Facility Strikes
EU Summit Addresses Middle East Conflict and Economic Concerns
BRUSSELS, March 19 (Reuters) - European Union leaders called on Thursday for a moratorium on military strikes on energy and water facilities in the Middle East, amid growing concerns about the impact of the Iran war on the global economy.
EU Council Statement and Calls for Restraint
"The European Council calls for de-escalation and maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure and full respect of international law by all parties," the leaders of the EU's 27 countries said in written conclusions of a summit in Brussels.
Moratorium on Strikes Against Critical Infrastructure
"In this regard, it calls for a moratorium on strikes against energy and water facilities," they said.
Reinforcement of Naval Missions
The leaders called for reinforcing the bloc's existing Red Sea naval mission Aspides and counter-piracy naval mission Atalanta in the Horn of Africa "with more assets, in line with their respective mandates".
International Cooperation and U.S. Involvement
U.S. President's Response
U.S. President Donald Trump has lashed out at allies who have responded cautiously to his demands that they help secure the Strait of Hormuz, the conduit for around a fifth of the world's oil.
EU Efforts to Ensure Freedom of Navigation
Coordination with Regional Partners
In their statement, the European leaders welcomed "the increased efforts announced by Member States, including through strengthened coordination with partners in the region, to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, once the conditions are met".
(Reporting by Lili Bayer; Editing by Andrew Gray)
