The European Union and the Kingdom of Bahrain, in its capacity as Presidency of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), have issued a co-chairs statement on the Strait of Hormuz and freedom of navigation, according to a declaration published by the European External Action Service (EEAS) on 13 July 2026. The statement underscores the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz for global energy security and maritime trade, and reaffirms the commitment to upholding international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which guarantees the right of innocent passage and transit passage through international straits.
The joint declaration comes amid heightened tensions in the region, with recent incidents involving the harassment of commercial vessels and threats to maritime infrastructure. The EU and Bahrain, as GCC Presidency, call on all parties to exercise restraint and refrain from any actions that could disrupt the free flow of shipping through the Strait. The statement also emphasizes the need for diplomatic dialogue to resolve disputes and ensure the safety of navigation, which is vital for the global economy and energy markets.
While the statement does not specify concrete measures or enforcement mechanisms, it signals a unified stance between the EU and the GCC on a critical maritime chokepoint. The Strait of Hormuz sees the transit of about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas, making its security a priority for both European and Gulf states. The co-chairs statement is a diplomatic expression of concern and solidarity, but lacks binding commitments or operational follow-up, limiting its immediate impact on stakeholders such as shipping companies, energy traders, and insurers who face ongoing risks in the region. The declaration may, however, serve as a basis for future coordinated action, including potential EU naval missions or joint monitoring initiatives, though no such plans are announced in the document.