As the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies, the European Union (EU) is facing growing scrutiny over its fragmented and ineffective response. The EU, its key member states, and the United Kingdom have called for adherence to international law and condemned the Iranian government. However, European powers have so far failed to articulate a coherent common approach, appearing divided, sidelined, and ineffectual as a major crisis unfolds in the Middle East with potential global ramifications.
Following Iran's drone attack on Cyprus—an EU territory—and ongoing strikes on assets in Gulf countries, can Europe afford to remain on the sidelines? Experts note that European powers are adopting a defensive strategy, avoiding direct military involvement. Cornelius Adebahr, an Associate Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), stated that EU members and the UK are united in taking defensive measures if a European country is attacked and in assisting Gulf nations, but they disagree on the war goals of the Trump administration and the extent of support for US actions against Iran.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned on Wednesday that US President Donald Trump expects "all of our European allies" to back the US and Israel's war against Iran. She claimed the goal was to "crush the rogue Iranian regime that not only threatens America, but also threatens our European allies." This came after Trump reportedly expressed frustration over delays in European support for the war.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, while expressing doubts about the war's legality, has allowed the US to use two British bases. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who visited the White House on Wednesday, received praise from Trump, who described him as an "excellent leader" after Merz sided with Trump on eliminating a "terrible regime" and permitted US forces to use the Ramstein Air Base in Germany. France authorized a temporary presence of American aircraft at certain bases, but only after securing guarantees that they would not be used for attacks against Iran and would operate solely in "support of the defense of our partners in the region."
The Iranian drone attack on a British Royal Air Force base in Cyprus has alarmed Europeans, prompting Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, and France to send naval vessels to Cyprus. Trita Parsi, co-founder of the Quincy Institute, suggested that Iran appears intent on expanding the war not only into Persian Gulf states but also into Europe. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that Tehran poses a threat to Europe as well, labeling it an "exporter of chaos." Additional concerns include a steep hike in energy prices and potential migration from Iran via Turkey to Europe, further complicating the EU's strategic calculus.
Source: www.dw.com