BRUSSELS, Tuesday, March 17, 2026 (WNP): European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas on Tuesday outlined Europe’s approach to escalating crises in Ukraine, the Middle East, and global energy security, stressing the need for long-term strategies and coordinated international responses.

Speaking at a press conference following the Foreign Affairs Council meeting, Kallas said the EU is developing a comprehensive European Security Strategy to address evolving threats, linking defense, energy supply chains, and broader policy areas. “Member States will shape this strategy from the start. Today, we focused on principles, scope, and priorities, with an updated joint threat assessment forming the basis for our work,” she said.

On Ukraine, Kallas emphasized that Moscow benefits from higher energy prices and the diversion of air defenses from Kyiv to the Middle East. “Ukraine remains a European top security priority, and our attention will not fizzle out,” she said.

She highlighted cooperation opportunities between Ukraine and Gulf states on drone defense systems, noting that Russian attacks are spilling over into neighboring countries. The EU is also supporting Moldova with equipment and satellite imagery following threats to its water supply from strikes on a Ukrainian hydroelectric plant.

Kallas warned that Europe would maintain pressure on Russia despite the US easing sanctions on Russian oil, saying that Moscow must have less funding for its war, not more. She commended France, Belgium, and Sweden for seizing falsely flagged tankers and called for swift adoption of the EU’s 20th sanctions package and a €90 billion support package for Ukraine. Additional sanctions were also imposed on over 2,600 individuals and entities linked to cyber-attacks and efforts to destabilize the EU, including actors in China and Iran.

The EU’s engagement extends beyond Europe. Kallas met with India’s Foreign Minister to discuss global order, freedom of navigation, and protecting the Strait of Hormuz.

She warned that Iran’s recent military actions are creating economic and security shocks globally, calling it “a war on the global economy.”

The EU is pressing for de-escalation and freedom of navigation, with ongoing diplomatic outreach involving the UN and other partners.

Highlighting the humanitarian dimension, Kallas said the EU has evacuated over 30,000 citizens from conflict zones and will provide €100 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon, while supporting efforts to disarm Hezbollah. She expressed concern over worsening conditions in Gaza and the West Bank, where violence and restricted aid access continue to threaten civilians. The EU will maintain pressure for improved humanitarian access and support Palestinian reforms, with a Global Alliance meeting scheduled next month to coordinate responses.

Kallas also addressed the EU’s naval operations. While strengthening Operation ASPIDES in the Red Sea is under discussion, there is no current consensus to extend its mandate to the Strait of Hormuz. “This is not Europe’s war, but Europe’s interests are directly at stake,” she said, emphasizing the need for concrete measures to safeguard shipping and prevent disruptions to food and energy supplies that could affect Africa and Asia.

On domestic security in neighboring countries, Kallas said the EU will deploy a Hybrid Rapid Response Team to Armenia ahead of its elections, reinforcing democratic resilience in the region. She also noted ongoing attention to democratic deterioration in Georgia and other neighboring states.

Responding to questions on the West Bank and Gaza, Kallas acknowledged that ongoing Middle East conflicts have diverted attention from humanitarian crises there. She urged renewed focus on accountability and sanctions for violent actors, stressing that Europe is not a participant in the military actions.

Kallas concluded that the interconnected nature of modern conflicts demands coordinated diplomatic solutions. “Wars are easy to start, very hard to stop, and can get out of hand quickly. The EU will continue to work with partners to mitigate security, economic, and humanitarian consequences globally,” she said.