As the US-Israel war with Iran intensifies, the European Union (EU) is facing growing scrutiny and pressure. The EU, its key member states, and the United Kingdom have called for adherence to international law and condemned the Iranian government. However, Europe has so far failed to articulate a coherent common approach, appearing divided, sidelined, and ineffective as a major crisis unfolds in the Middle East with potential ramifications for Europe and the global order.
In the wake of Iran's drone attack on Cyprus—an EU territory—and ongoing strikes on assets in Gulf countries, can Europe remain on the sidelines? Experts note that European powers are adopting a defensive strategy rather than engaging militarily. Cornelius Adebahr, an Associate Fellow at the German Council on Foreign Relations (DGAP), stated that EU member states and the UK are united in taking defensive measures if a European country is attacked and in assisting Gulf nations. However, he added that they disagree on the war goals of the Trump administration and the extent to which they should support US action 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 followed Trump's apparent frustration over delays in European support for the war, highlighting tensions within the transatlantic alliance.
The UK, though not part of the EU, remains a key member of the European Three (E3) alongside France and Germany, who are co-signatories of the US-Iran nuclear deal and architects of the EU's joint Iran policy. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz received praise during a White House visit, with Trump describing 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, meanwhile, authorized a temporary presence of American aircraft at certain French bases. However, according to a French official quoted by Reuters, this approval came only after securing guarantees that the aircraft would not be used to carry out attacks against Iran and would operate solely in "support of the defense of our partners in the region." Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Rome had not yet received any request from the US to use its bases, but Italy has indicated it may provide air defense systems to Gulf states.
The Iranian drone attack on a British Royal Air Force base in Cyprus has alarmed Europeans, prompting Italy, Greece, the Netherlands, and France to dispatch naval vessels to Cyprus. Trita Parsi, co-founder and executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, noted, "Iran is well aware that this is an attack on an EU state. But that seems to be the point. Tehran appears intent on not only expanding the war into Persian Gulf states but also into Europe." He referenced an attack on a French base in the UAE, suggesting that, from Iran's perspective, "for the war to be able to end, Europe too has to pay a cost."
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has warned that Tehran poses a threat not just to Israel but also to Europe, describing Iran as "an exporter of chaos" responsible for "terrorist plots and assassination attempts, including against people living on European soil." Additional concerns include a steep hike in energy prices and potential migration flows from Iran via Turkey to Europe, further straining EU resources and cohesion.
Source: www.dw.com