The recent Iran war and the resulting spike in global fuel prices have strengthened the European Union’s push to reduce dependence on vulnerable energy routes, especially those passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
EU leaders are now exploring alternative trade and energy corridors, including new partnerships with Gulf countries and India, to improve energy security and avoid future disruptions caused by conflict.
One of the key proposals under consideration is the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), which would connect Europe with India through the Middle East via transport, energy and digital infrastructure.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has revived interest in the project, telling G7 leaders that new and more resilient export routes are being developed to diversify supply chains and strengthen Europe’s energy independence.
“We are building alternative routes that offer choices,” she said, referring to IMEC as a major example.
Although the EU has signed a memorandum of understanding on IMEC, only a few of its 27 member states have formally joined the initiative. However, officials say there is strong political backing behind the scenes.
A senior EU diplomat said discussions are now focused on turning the plan into practical projects involving transport links, energy networks and digital connectivity, including possible pipelines and power cables. No official timeline has been announced.
The proposed corridor would pass through Israel, which strongly supports the initiative. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously described IMEC as a “revolutionary” project after discussions with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
However, analysts say the success of the plan may depend on broader regional diplomacy, particularly the normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has said such steps would depend on progress toward Palestinian statehood.
The impact of the Iran war has also highlighted Europe’s energy vulnerability. EU officials say the bloc spent an additional €25 billion on oil and gas imports in just the first weeks of the conflict and warned of possible fuel shortages.
EU leaders have said they are open to working more closely with Gulf countries to develop new infrastructure that avoids conflict-prone routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.
Existing infrastructure, such as Saudi Arabia’s East-West Pipeline, which moves oil to the Red Sea, has shown the value of alternative routes, especially during periods of instability.
Experts say early projects are likely to focus on oil and gas pipelines due to faster construction timelines, along with upgrades and repairs to energy facilities affected by recent tensions. Future systems may also be designed to carry hydrogen as part of Europe’s green energy transition.
Another major project under discussion is the Great Seas Interconnector, a planned undersea electricity cable that would link Europe’s power grid with Cyprus and Israel, and potentially extend toward broader regional networks.
Supporters say the project could reduce energy isolation in parts of the Eastern Mediterranean while also contributing to long-term renewable energy goals.
The United States has also shown interest in strengthening energy cooperation in the region, particularly between Greece, Cyprus and Israel, as part of wider efforts to develop Eastern Mediterranean energy resources.