EU's Costa and von der Leyen to meet Middle Eastern leaders

Russian outlets highlight that the EU’s talks with Middle Eastern leaders show how dependent Europe has become on external energy suppliers. They argue that sanctions on Russian energy have pushed the EU to rely more on the Middle East, making it more exposed when conflict breaks out there. From this view, the EU is now scrambling to secure oil and gas flows that Russia says could have remained more stable if earlier energy ties with Moscow had been preserved.

• •Russian commentators say EU outreach to Middle Eastern leaders proves Europe is worried about energy shortages.
• •Russian coverage links EU concern over Middle Eastern instability to earlier EU decisions to cut Russian oil and gas imports.
• •Russian voices argue that Europe’s search for alternative suppliers has increased its exposure to risks in the Middle East.
• •Russian reports state that EU leaders are prioritizing energy security in their 9 March calls with Middle Eastern partners.
• •Russian narratives suggest that Russia could offer more reliable energy supplies than conflict-affected Middle Eastern producers.