Escalation in the Gulf, the EU summons leaders: energy, maritime security, and the Aspides mission at the center

The military escalation in the Gulf and the Middle East keeps global tensions high, with the European Union ready to intervene. A video call between EU leaders, Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen, and the leaders of Iraq, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon, and the United Arab Emirates will address crucial issues such as energy crisis, maritime security, and the role of the Aspides mission.

EU concerns and solidarity with affected countries

Antonio Costa expressed deep concern for the situation in the Gulf, calling it "a very difficult moment for the region and the world". The EU states it is "fully supportive" of the countries affected by the war and aims to support them as best as possible through concrete discussions. The Aspides mission emerges as a key contribution to maritime security, in a context of instability that threatens vital routes.

Economic impacts on Italian businesses

The president of Confartigianato, Marco Granelli, denounces the devastating effects of the war on energy costs, risking to nullify the bill decree. Hauliers are the most affected, with diesel accounting for 25-35% of operational costs: minimal variations per liter produce significant annual impacts. Italian exports to the Middle East, growing by 7.9% from January to November 2025, amount to 8.641 million euros for micro and small enterprises in the food, fashion, furniture, metals, jewelry, and eyewear sectors; Lombardy leads at the regional level.

Criticism of Italian energy autonomy

Angelo Bonelli, leader of Avs, accuses the Meloni government of failing to build energy autonomy, making Italy dependent on "Arabs and Trump" for gas. He proposes an acceleration on ecological transition, which has been hit by a 27% drop in renewable installations in 2025. Renewables, which can be installed in 2-2.5 years, represent "the only strategy" against dependence on Arab gas and American LNG, unlike nuclear, which requires biblical times.

Prospects for stabilizing markets and bills

Interventions such as the VAT sterilization on excise duties are useful but contingent, according to Granelli, who calls for structural measures for the bills of SMEs. The war highlights the need to block speculation and calm prices on fuels and gas. For Italy, a key exporter to the Middle East, the crisis risks slowing down an export growth vital for the regional and national economy.