Macron Announces Plans for Pipeline to Transport Iraqi Oil and Gas to Europe

French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Friday that France is working with Iraq and Jordan on a project to establish a pipeline to transport Iraqi oil and gas to European markets.

Macron said the escalating conflict in the Middle East has deepened the energy crisis and increased the financial burden on citizens due to rising petrol and fuel prices, stressing that the crisis is affecting countries across Europe, not just France.

He noted that France was not involved in the conflict that led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz but was nevertheless facing its consequences. Macron called for a diplomatic solution to ensure the strait’s reopening and the restoration of safe maritime traffic.

The French president added that France had participated in an international mission to escort oil tankers and ensure their safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. He also said France would accelerate gas storage projects across Europe to ease the impact of higher energy prices and secure alternative supplies