Finance
European Countries and Japan: Ready to Help on Hormuz, Stabilise Energy Markets
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 19, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 19, 2026
Quick Summary
European powers—Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands—together with Japan, condemned Iranian attacks and pledged to support efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, stabilize energy markets, and facilitate increased oil output.
European Nations and Japan Commit to Hormuz Safety, Energy Market Stability
Joint Statement on Energy Market Stability and Strait of Hormuz Security
Commitment to Safe Passage Through the Strait of Hormuz
LONDON, March 19 (Reuters) - Leading nations in Europe said in a joint statement with Japan on Thursday they would take steps to stabilise energy markets and were ready to join "appropriate efforts" to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Condemnation of Attacks and Call for Increased Energy Output
Condemnation of Iranian Actions
The statement from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan, condemned attacks by Iran and called on it to halt its actions immediately. It also said they would work with certain energy producing nations to increase output and stabilise markets.
Readiness to Contribute to Security Efforts
"We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait," the statement said. "We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning."
Strategic Petroleum Reserves and Further Measures
Release of Strategic Petroleum Reserves
Welcoming the release of strategic petroleum reserves, the statement added: "We will take other steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with certain producing nations to increase output."
Reporting and Editorial Credits
(Reporting by Muvija M, writing by Kate Holton, editing by William James)
Key Takeaways
- •European nations and Japan jointly denounce Iran’s attacks and commit to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz
- •They welcome IEA‐led release of emergency oil reserves—including Japan’s ~80 million barrels—and pledge to work with producers to bolster energy supplies
- •Their coordinated stance underscores growing geopolitical unity amid the largest energy choke‑point disruption and historic oil price surge
Frequently Asked Questions about European countries and Japan: ready to help on Hormuz, stabilise energy markets
1What actions are European countries and Japan taking regarding the Strait of Hormuz?
They have expressed readiness to contribute to efforts ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and stabilise energy markets.
2Why are energy markets targeted for stabilisation in this statement?
Recent tensions and attacks by Iran have threatened energy supplies, prompting nations to plan for increased output and release of reserves.
3Which countries issued the joint statement?
Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan issued the statement.
4How will these nations respond to threats in the Strait of Hormuz?
The nations are planning to join appropriate efforts and engage in preparatory planning to ensure the strait's safety for energy transport.
5What steps are being taken beyond increasing output?
They are working with certain energy producing nations and considering other measures to stabilise global energy markets.
