Jorgensen said the bloc is assessing “all possibilities” as it braces for sustained disruption, warning that energy prices are likely to remain elevated for an extended period. “This will be a long crisis energy prices will be higher for a very long time,” he said in the interview.

He added that for certain critical energy products, market conditions could deteriorate further in the coming weeks, underscoring concerns about supply constraints and volatility linked to the conflict.

The European Union has previously relied on coordinated measures such as strategic stock releases and demand reduction during periods of supply stress. Officials are now evaluating whether similar or more stringent interventions may be required if the crisis deepens.

The developments come as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to disrupt global energy flows, raising risks for import-dependent economies and adding pressure to inflation across the region.

A NATO spokesperson described the trip as “long-planned,” with a White House official also confirming the visit, though no further details were disclosed.

The timing comes amid heightened tensions between Washington and its European partners over their limited support for U.S. actions in the Iran conflict.

Trump said he was weighing a U.S. exit from NATO after European members declined to contribute naval forces to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping lane disrupted during the war.

Speaking at a White House gathering, Trump criticized allies including France and the United Kingdom, describing NATO as ineffective and questioning its value to U.S. security interests. The visit by Rutte comes at a sensitive moment for the alliance, which has long been a cornerstone of transatlantic security since its founding in 1949.

Analysts say the rhetoric underscores deepening divisions within NATO over burden-sharing and strategic priorities, particularly in the context of the ongoing Iran war.

Trump’s remarks mark one of the most direct challenges to NATO’s cohesion in recent years, raising uncertainty about the future of U.S. commitment to the alliance as geopolitical tensions intensify.

Rising energy costs linked to the conflict and fears of a renewed refugee influx have elevated the Middle East crisis to a central issue at the summit, officials said, alongside efforts to secure agreement on a 90 billion-euro ($104 billion) loan intended to support Ukraine’s war-strained finances.

Energy and Middle East concernsLeaders are weighing options to mitigate economic shocks from the conflict, including proposals from the European Commission for a “toolbox” of measures aimed at lowering energy prices across the 27-nation bloc. A senior EU diplomat said no single policy would suit the bloc’s diverse energy markets, underscoring the complexity of the response.

Several EU countries have resisted calls from U.S. President Donald Trump to deploy military assets to safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global shipments of oil, gas and fertilizer, reflecting caution over deeper involvement in the conflict.

The summit is also focused on a standoff between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and other EU leaders over the Ukraine loan agreed in principle in December. Orbán withdrew support after disruptions to the Druzhba oil pipeline earlier this year, citing energy security concerns.

“If there is no oil, there is no money,” Orbán said in a social media post, linking Hungary’s backing of the loan to stable energy supplies.

EU officials are seeking to persuade Hungary and Slovakia, whose Prime Minister Robert Fico has also adopted pro-Russia positions, to lift their objections. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has preposed EU funding to repair the Druzhba pipeline and develop alternative supply routes for both countries.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said blocking the loan was “absolutely unfair,” stressing that the funds are essential as Kyiv faces a deepening budget crisis amid its war with Russia, which began in February 2022.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz urged swift agreement on both the loan and a new package of sanctions against Moscow, warning against allowing domestic political considerations within member states to hinder collective action.

He said the EU must “increase the pressure on Moscow together,” in coordination with the United States, as leaders gather to reconcile internal divisions with mounting geopolitical and economic pressures.

Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim has made a rare and symbolic visit to Belgium, where she delivered an inspiring address to members of the European Parliament.

The visit marked one of the highest-level exchanges between Taiwan and Europe in recent years and reflected Taipei’s growing efforts to expand its international presence despite ongoing opposition from Beijing.

Hsiao’s trip to Brussels was centered around her participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China’s annual summit, where lawmakers from various nations gathered to discuss human rights, global democracy, and the challenges posed by authoritarian governance.

In her speech, Hsiao drew strong parallels between Taiwan’s determination to preserve democracy and Europe’s long-standing commitment to protecting freedom and human dignity.

“Europe has defended freedom under fire, and Taiwan has defended democracy under pressure,” Hsiao declared, earning praise from European lawmakers who commended Taiwan’s resilience in maintaining its democratic institutions despite constant pressure from China

“I stand here as a voice for a society deeply committed to the ideals that animate parliaments of democracy around the world,” she added.

The visit represents Taiwan’s growing confidence in asserting its democratic identity on the world stage.

While Taiwan’s only formal diplomatic partner in Europe remains the Vatican, many European countries such as France, Lithuania, Poland, and the Czech Republic have increasingly shown willingness to engage with Taiwan through informal but meaningful exchanges.

These interactions demonstrate Europe’s acknowledgment of Taiwan as a democratic partner that upholds shared values of freedom, human rights, and rule of law.

China’s reaction to the visit was predictably sharp. The Chinese Mission to the European Union issued a statement condemning Hsiao’s presence in Brussels, describing it as a “serious violation of the one-China principle” and accusing the island of undermining mutual trust between Beijing and the EU.

However, Taiwan’s government has firmly rejected Beijing’s claims, asserting its right to engage freely with the international community.

Taiwan’s presidential office emphasized that the vice president’s trip was part of ongoing diplomatic outreach to strengthen global partnerships.

Accompanied by Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung, Hsiao underscored that Taiwan’s participation in global conversations is both legitimate and necessary.

She noted that, despite being excluded from many international organizations, Taiwan continues to contribute to global development, humanitarian aid, and sustainability initiatives.

“Despite being excluded from international organizations, Taiwan has stepped up,” Hsiao stated. “We contribute to humanitarian aid and uphold global standards even when we are not allowed a seat at the table.”

Her message resonated with many in attendance, reinforcing Taiwan’s image as a responsible global actor committed to peace and cooperation.

Hsiao also highlighted the importance of stability across the Taiwan Strait, calling it a cornerstone of global prosperity. Her remarks reflected Taipei’s desire to maintain peace while promoting dialogue and mutual respect, even as China continues to increase its military and diplomatic pressure on the island.

The vice president’s visit follows a broader pattern of Taiwan’s increasing diplomatic activity in Europe. In September, Foreign Minister Lin visited Austria, the Czech Republic, Poland, and Italy to deepen bilateral cooperation.

Former President Tsai Ing-wen is expected to visit Berlin next week to deliver a keynote address on democratic resilience and transatlantic unity.

These growing exchanges between Taiwan and European nations suggest a subtle but significant shift in global geopolitics. European countries are showing greater openness to engaging with Taiwan as part of their broader commitment to supporting democracies under threat.

While most European governments continue to adhere to the one-China policy formally, their willingness to interact with Taiwanese leaders reflects a pragmatic approach to international relations and a recognition of Taiwan’s contributions to global progress.

Hsiao Bi-khim’s visit thus stands as a powerful symbol of Taiwan’s diplomatic determination. It illustrates how the island, despite diplomatic isolation, continues to find meaningful ways to participate in the global dialogue on democracy, innovation, and peace.

For many observers, her presence in Brussels marks a new chapter in Taiwan-Europe relations — one grounded in shared principles, mutual respect, and a collective belief in the value of freedom.